Lawrence Township Public Schools News Roundup

Editor's Note: The following news briefs were contributed by .

Lawrence Middle School Geography Bee

Congratulations to Daniel Bartfield, winner of the First Annual Lawrence Middle School Geography Bee! Twenty-seven students competed on Jan. 11 through nine rounds to determine the final winner. Daniel was able to correctly answer that Manchuria is located in the northeastern part of China for the win! Special thanks to librarian Eileen Cramer for organizing the event with social studies teachers Dan Christel, Kristine Benson, and Brendan Cartlidge.

Kindergarten Registration Underway

Do you have a child at home who will be 5 before October 1, 2012? If so, it's time to register them for Kindergarten! We've simplified our registration process and now, everything is online at http://www.ltps.org/KRegistration. Avoid the rush and register now!

Preschool Applications Being Accepted

Lottery applications are being accepted for the Lawrence Township school district’s preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds. for information about the 3-year-old preschool program at Lawrenceville Elementary School and for information about the 4-year-old preschool program at Ben Franklin Elementary School.

LTEF Handbag Bingo

The will host its second annual “Handbag Bingo” fundraiser on March 23 at on Rosedale Road in Lawrence. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds from this event will help to fund innovative programs in Lawrence Township Public Schools.

The event is open to adults over 21 years of age. In addition to bingo, the evening will feature a vendor showcase, door prizes, raffles and more. Admission is $35 per person and includes three bingo cards per game for ten games. Additional cards will be available for sale as well as game cards for two bonus games. Ticket sales began Feb. 1. See the flyer in the media box above for ordering information.

LES Kids' Used Toys & Clothing Sale Registration

Sellers taking part in the Kids’ Used Toys & Clothing Sale being held on March 3 by the PTO can register electronically from 6 p.m. today, Thursday, Feb. 2, through 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6. See the flyer in the media box above for registration instructions.

ETS Scholarship and Recognition Program

The Employees’ Community Action Fund (ECAF) Scholarship program was established to assist graduating seniors in the New Jersey public education system in their goal of achieving a higher education degree. ECAF will offer scholarship awards up to $5,000 each to selected students who are pursuing a vocational/technical, or a 2- or 4-year degree from accredited schools, colleges and universities in the United States. The number of scholarships will be determined by the availability of funds. See the flyer in the media box above for more details.

Emerging Artists Creativity Hub

Young Audiences of NJ (YANJ) will offer an exciting arts program for students ages 13-17 on Saturdays beginning Feb. 4 at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). The Emerging Artists Creativity Hub (EACH) is a multi-disciplinary exploration of the arts created by professional teaching artists, and features faculty from The College of New Jersey and New York University.

The program’s goal is to help young musicians, visual and theatre artists, dancers, and media artists collaborate in an intensive workshop format. Program sessions will take place on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., in TCNJ's Arts and Communications Building. Tuition is free, but there is a $250 materials fee per student. Some scholarships are available. See the forms in the media box above for more information. For a detailed look at students’ work from last semester, visit the EACH Blog at www.yanj-each.tumblr.com.

Give Kids A Smile

The Give Kids A Smile program in New Jersey is the culmination of several different organizations' efforts under the direction of the New Jersey Dental Association. Each February, the entire dental community, both public and private, comes together to ensure the delivery of care to thousands of underprivileged children who otherwise may not be able to afford or access care.

Services rendered include oral hygiene instruction, screenings, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, extractions, fluoride treatments, stainless steel crowns, and much more. Volunteers work to ensure the program is fun and educational and gives many children a great first impression of visits to the dentists. And, best of all, all procedures are 100% FREE. This year the Henry J. Austin Health Center will be participating in Mercer County. All visits are by appointment only. Call (609) 278-5951 to make an appointment.

Personalized Balloons for Graduates

The Lawrence High School Project Graduation committee is once again offering personalized balloons for graduates. The graduates’ and senders’ names will be written on the balloons, which will be displayed and available for graduates to pick up at the LHS Project Graduation 2012 party. Place your order early to receive a discount. Deadline for orders and payment: June 7, 2012, or while supply lasts. See the order form in the media box above for details.

RWJ Hospital Mini Medical School II

Attention Lawrence High School students! Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton is offering Mini-Medical School II for students and community members. The focus of the Spring 2012 Semester is orthopedics and will be taught by some of the leading orthopedic surgeons in this region. This is a four week program that RWJH offers through its Community Education Department and is open to anyone interested in attending. The Science & Technology Career Academy is excited to make LHS students aware of this unique community program! See the flyer in the media box above for registration information.

Mercer County Summer Nature Camps

Registration began Jan. for the Mercer County Park Commission’s Summer Nature Camp programs. See the media box above for flyers on the Aquatic Adventure and Baldpate Nature Camps and registration information.

LMS Artists Network Winter/Spring Art Classes

The Lawrenceville Main Street (LMS) Artists Network is taking registrations for their Winter/Spring art classes for children and adults. See the brochures in the media box above for details.