Welcome Back Wildcats!

I hope you have all had relaxing summer and you are all ready and eager to come BACK TO SCHOOL! We have spent the summer  planning and preparing for your return and thanks to our hardworking Maintenance Crew and Student Work Crew, our school looks better than ever. We are ready for opening day, Tuesday, August 27! We will be following a A day schedule on the first day, starting off with Homeroom. Additionally, we will be joined by Project Paws ... during lunches we will have a few therapy dogs joining us to help with those first day jitters!  
Below are the schedules for the first three days of school.  Take a look and please share with your son /daughter.  

Monday at 5 pm we will be welcoming all newcomers and freshmen to our annual picnic / BBQ. It is a wonderful community event. On Tuesday, our first day of school, Project Paws will be join us during our lunch waves to help with the "welcome back" gitters. 

2019-20 - What's in store?
Wednesday Schedule:  This year students will follow the same schedule every Wednesday beginning September 4. This schedule can be found on Canvas, on the Region 18 website, as well as in the handbook and will be shared with all students during homeroom and advisory this week. (There is also a link on this blog in the right margin under 'Important Dates'.)
​In an effort to foster independence and assist students, we will be implementing an Academic Review period once a month on Wednesdays.   Students will have the opportunity to work with teachers, review their Power School and Canvas, and make a plan for success.  Additionally, we continue our Advisory Program this year - also on Wednesdays.  We reviewed feedback and surveys from students and teachers this summer. The committee members worked collaboratively to make revisions to the lessons in order to provide a more meaningful and effective program which focuses on connecting with students, building relationships, and addressing the social and emotional needs that arise on a daily basis.

New Comers Club: For all new students to our community... I hope to see you all on Monday evening at our Freshmen/New Comers Picnic beginning at 5 pm at the high school. All new members to our community will be given a 'Buddy' who will help you get acclimated to our school. You will also be invited to join our 'Lunch Bunch'  which will meet over lunch! The goal of the meetings are simply to connect and see how things are going for you as well as address any questions or needs that may be lingering. Stay tuned for notices of meetings that will be sent to your email, to your Homeroom teacher, and posted on the TVs.

​Wellness and Balance: We know that expectations are high at Lyme-Old Lyme High School and that stress can overcome our lives quite easily and quickly, especially once the daily grind and routine of school begins: classes, homework, sports, clubs, etc.  We continue to focus  on Wellness and Balance... a balance of work and fun.  We continue to maintain our Homework Guidelines and, back by popular demand, we have scheduled six Homework Free Weekends. They are posted on the Canvas Events Calendar and will be posted on this blog as well. Additionally, we look forward to the 2nd Annual Wildcat Wellness Day (or afternoon) on October 2! If you have something to share connected to "wellness" and would be willing to participate, please email me (manfredij@region18.org). We welcome new presenters and love as much community involvement as possible.

LOLHS Parent/Student Handbook: Our Parent/Student Handbook is digital! Students can find it on the LOLHS Student Canvas Course and parents can access the link on the Region 18 website under the LOLHS - Our School - Scroll down to Handbook for Parents and Students.  (link: Region 18 - LOLHS )

So...  Welcome Back Wildcats!  
It is going to be a fantastic year.  I will continue to inform you of  the LOLHS events, celebrations, and general 'goings on' regularly through this blog.  I look forward to working with you all this year!

​Jeanne