Programs to insure that each student in the
Lawrence School District achieves his or her potential can be found at every grade level.
Future goals adopted by the Board of Education recognize the importance of major economic,
technological, and social changes and include steps to keep the staff members and students
in the district prepared for the future. Some of the most recent innovative programs
initiated in Lawrence Public Schools to enhance student achievement include a focus on
differentiating instruction to meet the needs of every learner; implementation of a
systematic program of conflict resolution; use of Service Learning activities; and a
variety of special services to provide both remediation and enrichment wherever it is
appropriate. Lawrence Public Schools continues to offer programs that recognize varied
interests and abilities, heighten academic expectations, emphasize a feeling of community
and promote self-esteem in each individual student.
Middle States Accreditation
Lawrence Public Schools is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of
Colleges and Schools as a PreK to 12 school system.
During the two-year accreditation process, Lawrence Public Schools adopted a Mission
Statement, which is the District’s philosophy of education. This statement was
created by a committee of teachers, parents, community members, administrators, students
and other representatives from each school.
Lawrence’s Mission Statement
We are a suburban, public, PreK to 12 school system that is ethnically and
economically diverse.
Within a secure environment, we use developmentally appropriate practices which
reflect our understanding of learners as meaning makers, and stimulate active,
enthusiastic, intellectual inquiry.
We achieve an education in character as well as content, addressing the
intellectual, aesthetic, social, ethical, personal, and physical development of each
student.
Reading and Writing
In recent years, Lawrence Public Schools has been named a Center for Excellence by the
National Council of Teachers of English, earning three separate awards for its writing
programs. Using a balanced approach to reading and writing from kindergarten to twelfth
grade, the program effectively integrates all curriculum areas. At the earliest levels,
our Reading Recovery program assists developing readers in achieving their potential.
Every February, Lawrence Public Schools hosts its
annual Read-In. The Read-In provides an entire day of reading-related activities, designed
to highlight, not only the importance of reading, but the enjoyment of it as well.
Parents, administrators, community leaders and Lawrence High School students are invited
to read their favorite work of literature to elementary students. Recent guests have
included local politicians, religious leaders, community members and children’s
authors.
Social Studies
Students of Lawrence Public Schools are encouraged to learn more about the world around
them. Social Studies courses not only teach our students about history, but provide an
analytical view of our current society. Many honors have been bestowed on Lawrence
students, including a record total of 23 Lawrence High School students having been named
National Endowment for the Humanities Younger Scholars since the program’s inception.
A special state grant, awarded to Lawrence Public Schools to establish a census database
for nineteenth century Brooklyn during the height of the immigration period, has provided
students with a valuable resource for their studies.
Mathematics
Students throughout the District have been recognized for their outstanding
mathematical performance on the local and state levels. The mathematics curriculum is
designed to encourage problem solving and deductive reasoning. Students can participate in
a variety of programs in addition to their regular studies, including symposiums,
competitions and mathematical fairs.
Second Language
To have an understanding of other languages and countries, our students are instilled
with a greater respect and appreciation for other cultures. Second language courses are
offered at Lawrence Middle School and Lawrence High School. Five-year sequences are
offered in French, Spanish, Hebrew and Italian. The French-American Exchange Program
allows Lawrence High School students and students from Fountainbleu, France to attend each
other’s school for two weeks.
Instructional Technology
The continuing advances in instructional technology help our students to actively shape
their future. Computers are throughout the district in every classroom in addition to
school computer labs which are continually upgraded. Every area of curriculum is enhanced
through the use of computers. Special equipment includes CAD, Computer Aided Design
equipment for architectural and mechanical design; MIDI, an interface between musical
instruments and computers; not to mention a fully operational student television studio.
Advances in CD-ROM technology has aided in student research in the school libraries.
Lawrence Public Schools recognizes that in-depth knowledge of the latest technology is
critical for functioning in the 21st century. In addition, the District is actively
exploring the internet and other online services in ever school through Lawrence Online,
the District’s self-funding internet program.
Science Program
Local, state and national recognition for exceptional research and inventiveness has
been received by students and teachers in the Lawrence School District. In recent years,
more Lawrence seniors have been named Westinghouse finalists and semifinalists that all
but a few schools in the entire nation. A well-rounded science curriculum supplements
content knowledge and emphasizes scientific inquiry. State-of-the-art science labs in each
building offer students hands-on opportunities to interact with the physical world. This
approach begins in kindergarten, allowing students at all levels to practice
problem-solving skills and maintain positive attitudes toward science.
Visual and Performing Arts
The art experience at the Lawrence Public Schools is designed to stimulate higher level
thinking skills, promote problem solving, aesthetic inquiry, risk tasking and knowledge of
the creative process. Program objectives increase students’ awareness of their
cultural heritage, their environment, society at large as well as strengthen personal
artistic skills.
Lawrence’s Music and Arts-In-Education programs are dedicated to offering all
children the opportunity to become skilled with the language and tools of expressive music
making. With instrumental training beginning as early as third grade, children discover
their own ability leading to lifetime enjoyment. To further nourish the aesthetic needs of
the community, Lawrence Public Schools formed the Lawrence Philharmonic, an
intergenerational orchestra created in the spirit of the late composer, Leonard Bernstein.
In addition, numerous Lawrence students are chosen to perform in the annual All-County and
All-State Music Festivals.
Athletics
Lawrence Public Schools, home of the Golden Tornadoes, supports a competitive sports
program designed to introduce students of all ages to a variety of athletic activities.
Through individual and team participation, the Lawrence Physical Education Department
encourages youngsters to learn and maintain a lifetime of fitness and recreational
outlets.
Clubs/Activities
Extracurricular activities are considered a necessary addition to any well-rounded
program of studies. A wide variety of activities are available to Lawrence students,
including academic and recreational programs, visual and performing arts clubs,
award-winning student publications and community service groups. Students are encouraged
to participate in at least one program or activity per year.
