Latest / Lawrence Together / Back to School, Back Together: Governors, Handbags, and Hope Squads
Transcript
- Welcome to Lawrence Together, your community podcast for Lawrence Township, New Jersey. Today's episode covers news and updates from Lawrence QuickNews, dated September 17th. Let's get started. Before we dive in, a quick note. September 15th through October 15th is Hispanic Heritage Month, and Lawrence Township Public Schools has shared some great resources to mark the occasion, available through the district's newsletter link. Let's start with a look at the new school year, which is off to a busy start across the district. Lawrence Township Public Schools welcomed staff back for the twenty twenty-six, twenty twenty-seven school year with Convocation Day on August 26th. The day focused on professional development and preparing for another successful year. A highlight was a keynote presentation featuring three LTPS educators, that's Lawrence Township Public Schools, Sabrina Pacifico, Jeanette Capritti, and Jametta Clark, who shared their experiences and insights with colleagues. For the second year in a row, the district tapped its own educators rather than outside consultants, creating a meaningful opportunity for staff to learn from one another. Staff also enjoyed a food truck lunch, and there was even a little fun mixed in, as the district debuted its newest mascot, Lovey Dovey the baby cardinal, who danced alongside Larry the Cardinal and quickly became a crowd favorite. More than 150 families joined Lawrence Township Public Schools for the Welcome to the Neighborhood Family Workshop, an evening designed to help families connect with community organizations, resources, and services. While parents and caregivers explored the many resources available to them, children enjoyed activities of their own. The district thanked all the community partners and families who took part, and looks forward to building on those connections throughout the year. In exciting news, Lawrence Township Public Schools welcomed New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and Commissioner of Education Doctor Lily Laux to Eldridge Park Elementary School during the second week of the school year. The Governor's Office reached out wanting to visit a New Jersey school at the start of the year, and chose Lawrence Township Public Schools and Eldridge Park Elementary as their stop. During student arrival, Governor Sherrill and Commissioner Laux greeted students with smiles, high fives, and words of encouragement. The district said it was grateful for the chance to showcase the enthusiasm of its students and the dedication of its staff. Over at Lawrence High School, the Hope Squad and Peer Leaders hosted an inaugural event called Cardinal Kickoff, designed to help underclassmen get excited about high school and connect with two important student led groups. Students took part in team building activities including obstacle courses, parachute games, and life sized Connect Four, all in the spirit of reminding students that they're an important part of the Cardinal community. Back to School Nights have also been in full swing across the district. Lawrence Middle School kicked off the season last week, followed by Lawrence Intermediate School. Tonight, all four Lawrence Township elementary schools and Lawrence Day School are welcoming families, and the season wraps up next week with Lawrence High School's Back to School Night. The district thanked its teachers and staff for welcoming families into their classrooms. Finally, across the district, students took time to remember and honor the heroes, first responders, and all those impacted by the events of September 11th, 2001, marking the twenty-fifth anniversary through service projects, books, classroom conversations, and meaningful activities. Now let's turn to events and fundraisers happening around the district. The LHS Cardinal Thrift Sale runs two days this fall, Saturday, September 26th from nine A M to two P M, and Saturday, October 10th from nine A M to three P M, both at the Lawrence High School Cafeteria. From two to three P M each day, you can fill a bag for ten dollars, and proceeds benefit the Lawrence High School Class of twenty twenty-seven and Project Graduation. Clothing donations are being accepted at the high school's main entrance vestibule on weekdays. Vendors are wanted for a Craft Fair on November 21st, from nine A M to four P M, at the Lawrence High School Cafeteria. Registration is just thirty dollars per table, and organizers say it'll be an exciting day of shopping, creativity, and community. And save the date. The Lawrence Township Education Foundation's fifteenth annual Handbag Bingo is coming up Friday, November 13th, twenty twenty-six, at the West Trenton Ballroom. Tickets go on sale in October, so sign up for the foundation's newsletter to be the first to know. There's plenty happening in the wider community too. The Healthy Kids Running Series returns to Lawrence Middle School for five Sundays starting September 27th at four P M, with online registration only. Full series runners receive a T shirt, and everyone gets a medal on week five. Girls on the Run is back this fall, offering girls a welcoming, evidence based program led by trained volunteer coaches to build confidence, empathy, and connection. The Lawrence team meets Mondays and Thursdays from four thirty to five forty-five P M, with the fall season running September 24th through November 16th. Registration is open now at girls on the run n j dot org. For families interested in language and culture, the ManaBadi initiative offers structured Telugu language classes for children, helping them build communication skills and cultural connection. Classes run weekly on Sundays from September through May in the greater Princeton area. Young Rembrandts is also offering Drawing Classes for Kids at the Community Well on Main Street in Lawrenceville, running Fridays from October 16th through December 11th, five to six P M, for grades kindergarten through six. If you love a good cause and a good run, the tenth annual Meadows Miler takes place October 24th at Rosedale Park in Pennington. The five K and ten K event is officially certified by USA Track and Field New Jersey, and benefits the Princeton Child Development Institute, which empowers children and adults with autism. For younger kids, the New Jersey four H Cloverbud Club offers a fun and educational experience for children in grades kindergarten through three, helping them get along with others and build self confidence through hands on activities. And for a unique evening out, the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville, at two six eight eight Lawrenceville Road, is hosting a Dolly Parton Candlelight Experience on Saturday, November 7th, with two seating times, six to seven P M and eight to nine P M, featuring a classical musical tribute. A few more dates worth marking on your calendar. Yom Kippur falls on September 21st, with schools closed. Lawrence Middle School's Fall Picnic and Club Fair is tentatively set for September 18th, alongside mum sale orders due that same day. Senior portraits are September 22nd, by appointment. Lawrence Middle School holds its Back to School Dance on September 24th, and Picture Day for grades nine, ten, and eleven falls on September 29th. That's all for this edition of Lawrence Together. If you haven't already, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an update from our community. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next time.