Lawrence Township Public Schools News Roundup

Editor's Note: The following news briefs were contributed by Lawrence Township Public Schools.

Roy Named LMS Spelling Bee Champ

Lawrence Middle School provides many opportunities for students to excel academically, and the annual LMS Spelling Bee attracts students from both seventh and eighth grades.  This year’s tryout response for the Spelling Bee drew three dozen students, who were given a challenging written test of 40 “bee” words.  Those students who correctly spelled 30 or more of these words met with Mrs. Rodgers, an eighth-grade LMS language arts teacher and the school's Spelling Bee liaison and coordinator since 1991, twice monthly for practice sessions. 

After several sessions, students met for an elimination round, and the remaining 10 finalists prepared for the actual school bee held on Feb. 6.  Ruhi Roy (Draco seventh-grader) claimed first place, Robert Liu (Draco eighth-grader) placed second, and Jay Vora (Phoenix eighth-grader) earned third.  Ruhi advances to states and will compete on Sunday, March 4, at Middlesex College.  The competition’s champion will go to Washington, D.C. to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.  Ruhi is a great contender, and we wish her the best of l-u-c-k!

February is African American History Month

President Barack Obama wrote in this year’s presidential proclamation announcing February 2012 as African American History Month, “During National African American History Month, we celebrate the rich legacy of African Americans and honor the remarkable contributions they have made to perfecting our Union.”

Lawrence Middle School seventh-graders honored the contributions and legacy of African Americans this month in the school library. School librarian Eileen Cramer worked with Language Arts teachers Maria Przechacki, Lyn Creegan, Jon-Erik Stamatelos and Kerry MacDonald to create a research project which is now proudly displayed in the hallway outside of the library.

Each student summarized the life story of one famous African American, sketched a mini-movie of the person’s life, and wrote something important she/he learned from their famous person. Photos of the display can be found in the media box above.

New Look on the Way

We’re getting a facelift…a redesign, that is! Barring unforeseen circumstances, we will launch the new template for our www.ltps.org website on Friday, Feb. 24. Working with a focus on improving content, functionality, appearance, and ease of use, webmaster Steven Prentiss has modified our current site and content and prepared it for the transfer. Please contact him at webmaster@ltps.org with any glitches you discover after the launch. Please bear with us during our improvement.

Chili’s “Give Back Night” to Benefit LIMBO

Charitable giving never tasted so good.  Chili’s is teaming up with Lawrence Integrated Music Booster Organization (LIMBO) to help raise money for LHS Music students.  Chili's, located at 3465 US Route 1, West Windsor, will host a Give Back Night for LIMBO on Feb. 21, 2012.  At Chili’s, Pepper in Some Fun and Pepper in Some Funds for your local charity.

Chili’s Restaurant will donate 10 percent of the dining checks generated between 11 a.m. and closing.  To be eligible for the donation, the dining check must be accompanied by a copy of the Give Back Night event voucher.  To find out more information about LIMBO or to obtain a Give Back Night event voucher, visit www.LIMBONJ.org or contact carole@bentivegna.me.  A copy of the voucher can also be found in the media box above.

Talent Night to Honor African American History Month

On Feb. 23 from 5-8 p.m. in the Lawrence High School Commons, the LHS chapter of the Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute (Drug Prevention Club) will host a night of talent in honor of African American History Month.  Students and members of the surrounding areas will come and share their talents because of the freedom that was fought for by our heroes dating back many years.  Everyone is welcome to join these leaders of the HS.  This is a family friendly free event.

Pasta Dinner Fundraiser

Lawrence High School student Garrett Falk is coordinating a Pasta Dinner Fundraiser to benefit the Lawrence Nature Center as part of his Eagle Scout Service Project.  Please join Garrett on Feb. 24 and help him raise funds for supplies to complete his project.  See the flyer in the media box above for details.

Get Your Kicks on Route 206

On Sunday, Feb. 26, Lawrence Township Historian Dennis Waters will discuss the twists and turns and ups and downs of the 400-year history of Lawrence’s main thoroughfare as part of the annual meeting of the Lawrence Historical Society.  The meeting will be held in the Commons at Lawrence High School beginning at 2 p.m.  It is free and open to the public, and will close with a celebration of Lawrence Township’s 315th birthday, accompanied by birthday cake. See the flyer in the media box above for details.

Eldridge Park PTO Applebee’s Fundraiser

You're invited to an Applebee's Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast to support the Eldridge Park School PTO on Saturday, Feb. 25.  See the flyer in the media box above for details and ticket information.

LHS Athletic Hall of Fame

Do you know anyone who should be in the LHS Athletic Hall of Fame? The committee is beginning its selection process for the Class of 2012. As always, they are looking for help with nominations of athletes, coaches, and contributors. If you have a suggestion, please visit the Hall of Fame's website and fill out an online nomination form here. Questions? Contact Gregg Zenerovitz (gzenerovitz@ltps.org) or Mick Cimorelli (mcimorelli@ltps.org).

Lawrence Golf Tournament

Attention all golfers! The annual Golf Tournament at Mercer Oaks is set for Friday, June 22. There are many avid golfers in our district and it would be great to see them all out there this year for some golf, food, and fun. Contact Gregg Zenerovitz (gzenerovitz@ltps.org) or Mick Cimorelli (mcimorelli@ltps.org) for more info.