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LYME-OLD LYME — The Lyme-Old Lyme School District is asking for donations for its teachers and staff as an expression of appreciation for keeping the school open the entire year.
“This has been a truly extraordinary year for us, and the fact that this district has been able to have students in person is a monumental feat,” said Diane Linderman, Chair of the district’s Board of Education.
Ian Neviaser, Superintendent of Lyme-Old Lyme Schools, said that the district was able to offer in-person learning for the vast majority of the school year, which set it apart from many other districts.
“We’re very proud of the fact that we are, as far as I know, the only Pre-K-through-12 district that has remained open all but four days,” he said.
Neviaser said that members of the community have been coming to him since the beginning of the year asking how they can support the school and the staff.
“We’re hoping the community will take this opportunity to show their thanks,” said Neviaser.
Board of Education members wrote in a letter that rather than monetary donations, they were looking for items like gift cards, tickets to events, exercise equipment and babysitting or home services.
Linderman said the goal was to give something to each one of the staff members. She said she wanted to reach out not only to parents, but to the community at large, and particularly businesses.
“We’ll take anything that people are willing to donate,” said Neviaser. “Any kind gesture that can show the community’s appreciation for everything that the staff has done.”
Gifts will be given to the staff at the end-of-year banquet on June 21, Neviaser said.
Donations can be sent to or dropped off at the Board of Education, ℅ Michelle Dean, Center School, 49 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT 06371.