Lawrence Township Public Schools News Roundup

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

The next Lawrence Township Board of Education meeting is Monday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. in the Lawrence High School library. Click here for the meeting agenda.

Schools are closed on Friday, Feb. 17 (Professional Development Day for staff) and Monday, Feb. 20 (Presidents' Day).

No Name Calling at Lawrenceville Elementary School

Empathy was the key to “National No Name Calling Week” (Jan. 23-27) at Lawrenceville Elementary School. Activities focused on respecting the differences of others through empathy. Daily school-wide themes were used to promote kind words and deeds and absolutely no name calling. Students listened to stories read by staff members over LES’ in-house television network promoting upstanders, bullying prevention, diversity, and no name calling during the week.

Stories included “Harry, Willy and Carrothead” by Judith Caseley, read by School Nurse Karen Sine; “Keep Your Ear on the Ball” by Genevieve Petrillo, read by Lawrence Township Detective Scott Caloiaro; “Horace and Morris but Mostly Delores” by James Howe and Amy Walrod, read by Library Assistant Debbie Eberhardt; “Chrysanthemum” by Kevin Henkes, read by Administrative Assistant Anne Testa; and “Hooway for Wodney Wat” by Helen Lester, read by Speech and Language Specialist Susan Carney.

New Jersey Schools of Character

We’ve got character! The New Jersey Alliance for Social, Emotional and Character Development (NJASECD) has selected Ben Franklin, Lawrenceville, and Slackwood elementary schools as 2012 New Jersey State Schools of Character, a status they will maintain for a period of three years through 2014.  State Schools of Character serve as models within their states where they share best practices and develop a state-level mentoring network. 

Lawrence Intermediate has already been designated as a 2011 State School of Character through 2013.  Being selected automatically forwards their applications to the Character Education Partnership in Washington, D.C. for consideration in the National Schools of Character program.  Last year Eldridge Park Elementary School was named a 2011 National School of Character, and will keep that designation for five years. This year’s National Finalists will be announced on March 1.

2012 Courage Award

Morgan Downs, a junior at Lawrence High School and member of the girls basketball and soccer teams, has been selected to receive a 2012 Courage Award at the annual CVC Basketball Association Dinner on Feb. 22. The Colonial Valley Conference established the Courage Award in memory of Christian Somma, former Hamilton West basketball player, who passed away on May 27, 2007, after a long and courageous battle against cancer.

The recipients are chosen by a committee of athletic directors from student-athletes who are nominated for their qualities of courage, character, and school pride. The award, sponsored by Hopewell Valley Community Bank and the Ryan family, consists of a plaque to the recipient and a $1,000 donation to The V Foundation in that student's name. Morgan was nominated for the award by basketball and soccer coach Dana Williams for Morgan's strength and sportsmanship during the time of her mother’s terminal illness. Coach Williams stated that “…her display of mental toughness, positive attitude, and maturity through the hardest adversity life can give will always be a motivational force for me as a coach, and for her teammates as they continue their journey through life.”

Lawrence Intermediate School on “Classroom Close-Up”

“Classroom Close-Up NJ” was in the Lawrence Intermediate School on Feb. 3 filming preparations for the school's upcoming “Beyond Recycling” production. The segment should air April 15 and May 13 at 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. “Beyond Recycling” is a special program that's the outcome of a Young Audiences of New Jersey Met Life grant award the group received. The grant provides for an Artist in Residence to deliver 10 lessons to LIS sixth-grade gifted and talented students, who are learning about the earth's sustainability and producing the “Beyond Recycling” play. Students will perform the play for 300 fourth-graders during a Monday morning meeting on a date to be determined. On Jan. 31, the George Street Playhouse, in association with Young Audiences, donated two assembly programs to LIS as models for the students.

Latino Community Night

The Business & International Studies Career Academy is hosting a PreK-12 Latino Community Night on Feb. 21, 2012, at 7 p.m. in the Lawrence High School Commons. There will be a variety of community organizations at the event that can provide services or opportunities for Latino families. See the flyers (in Spanish and English) in the media box above for details.

 “Walk n’ Roll”

Wheelchair rugby and basketball teams will take center court at the “Walk n’ Roll with Enable” to be held 9 a.m. on Feb. 25, 2012, at Rider University’s Student Recreation Center. This indoor walk will feature athletes with disabilities as they demonstrate skills and challenge spectators in a fun competition. Quadriplegic rugby players, youth wheelchair basketball teams, and a wheelchair tennis pair will take on able-bodied participants while they show their skills on the court. Persons of all ages and abilities are invited to attend this fun-filled day of movement, entertainment and motivational speakers raising support that helps persons with disabilities live full and independent lives. Participants can register at www.enablenj.org to walk as an individual or team or attend as a spectator for a $5 donation. Enable is a non-profit organization helping persons with disability live fully and independent lives within the community. See the flyer in the media box above for details.

Work of Art Extends Thanks to Board of Education

The month of January was National Board of Education Recognition Month.  , the tables were turned and the Lawrence BOE was recognized with a beautiful piece of artwork.  Ben Franklin Elementary School Principal Chris Turnbull introduced some BF students on-hand for the presentation as well as BF art teacher Anthony Colavita who oversaw the project.  The artwork now hangs in the reception area of the district administration building (come take a look!) and the accompanying plaque reads: “Peace-Making Friends. Presented to the 2012 Lawrence Township Board of Education. Created by the students of Ben Franklin Elementary School: Sia Anand, Qwayse Gibson, Ashley Moore, Manit Niwas, Emily Pirone, Cory Stallworth, Art Teacher Anthony Colavita.”

Relay For Life Kick-Off Celebration

Join Relay For Life of Lawrence for its annual Kick-Off Celebration on Feb. 20, 2012, at the Quaker Bridge Mall.  See the flyer in the media box above for details.