The Superintendent usually pens this monthly column but we’re shaking things up for summer!
While you can find updates on what LTPS staff members are doing to prepare for the year ahead in the LINK insert in the edition of the Gazette, we thought it would be fun to hear directly from one of our high school students about what summer looks like through a teenager’s eyes.
So this month, we invited our student intern in to share her perspective on that all-important question: What do students do all summer?
Summer
By Caitlyn Grimes, LHS 11th grader
Summer! It feels so good to type that word. The school year can be so draining, and for me personally, once June hits, I’m mentally checked out. Now, if you’re a graduate, I’m sure you’re not reading this—but perhaps your parents or grandparents are.
If the graduates were reading this, I’m sure they’d agree: Senioritis is real! Once June rolls around, they’re more than ready for prom, final grades to be submitted, and graduation day to arrive.
But enough about them. After all, they’re leaving the Cardinals’ nest to begin their lives beyond high school. Best of luck, graduates—we’ll miss you, and we’re wishing you success in all your future endeavors! Now, back to summer. Have you ever watched Frozen? If you’re a real fan, you know that Olaf does not play about his summers—at all!
I’m sure you’re curious about what summer means to a high school teenager, so let me introduce myself.
Hi! My name is Caitlyn Grimes, and I’ll be a rising junior this September. Although I’m still in deep, deep, deep denial about becoming a junior at Lawrence High School,
I’ve accepted that we all have to elevate ourselves to the next level if we’re ever going to graduate. But maybe I’m thinking too far ahead.. right?
This summer, like many teens, I’ve stayed busy. I’ve been involved in a multitude of activities every day for the past two weeks. Each day begins with an English summer bootcamp, a course taught by Mr. Cameron Foster.
After that, I serve as a teacher assistant in the Summer Science Scholars program, led by Ms. Gwenn Andahazy. Once that’s done, I head over to the board office to complete my four-day student internship.
In between all that, I’ve also been working on my summer assignments. Anyone taking English III Honors with Ms. Michele Haughey, or AP African American Studies with Dr. Jametta Clarke, knows that summer can’t just be about relaxing.
I spend about six hours working through both of these assignments. For English III Honors, I’m reading the British literature classic Jane Eyre. Once I finish that, I’ll move on to The Canterbury Tales, and luckily we students get to choose which tales we’d like to read.
After I put in three hours on English, I move on to my AP African American Studies work.
That assignment has four parts, including prepping for the class, studying a map of Africa, staying up to date on current events, and learning best practices for analytical writing.
After six hours of academic work, I’m ready to pass out. And I can only imagine how tired my peers must be if they’re taking even more AP or honors classes. To all of you enrolled in those rigorous courses—best of luck. Don’t stress yourself out too much! It’s important to know when to take breaks and rest.
After all, that’s what summer should be about—enjoying yourself and making memories.
Sounds like advice I should be giving myself, right? Well, enough about me. Let’s dive into what some of my peers are up to this summer! Contrary to popular belief, we’re not all couch potatoes.
I asked around to see how other LHS students are spending their time off. Jakub M. told me he’ll be “living spontaneously.”
Oliver G. will be out on the golf course. Sebastian A. plans to go freshwater fishing and play guitar. Dana G. will be getting her beauty rest and dancing, while Patryk R. also plans to fish—hoping to catch some big ones in the lake.
Marina J. will be working hard on her summer assignments for multiple AP classes, attending summer programs, and taking time to relax at the beach. Tanvi M. also plans to split her time between assignments and beach days.
Ridhima P. is working, hanging out with friends, and visiting the beach too. Lainey R. will be volunteering at Safety Town, where she’ll help little kids and serve as a role model.
Iman I. plans to catch up on movies, get some rest, and do some swimming. Klarissa P. is excited to read some of her favorite books and volunteer in her free time.
Vanya will be sleeping in and volunteering at local festivals. Ayaan S. says he’ll be using the summer to catch up on sleep.
Sraddha V. is heading to the pool, while Adam T. will be splitting time between swimming and sleeping.
Ben L. told me he’ll be sleeping, going out with friends, and spending time at the beach. Dhanush S. plans to play video games and chase some high scores.
So you see—not all teenagers are spending summer glued to TikTok or scrolling their lives away. By staying engaged academically, socially and through community involvement, this group of teens is making the most of their summer.
Whether it’s volunteering, relaxing, or gearing up for challenging coursework, they’re finding a balance. And most importantly—they’re making time for themselves.
Dr. Robyn Klim is the superintendent of the Lawrence Township Public Schools.
Lawrence Township Public Schools Superintendent Robyn Klim (left), student intern Caitlyn Grimes and Communications Manager Jennifer Baldassari.,
