I am thrilled to share some exciting updates regarding our district and our long-range reconfiguration and expansion plans. Last month, our very own Lawrence Middle School was named the number one middle school in Mercer County according to an analysis of new school data released by the state Department of Education.
The ratings, which were published in nj.com, are calculated using standardized test scores, student academic growth, graduation rates and other factors, including chronic absenteeism. LMS was awarded the highest summative rating and summative score in the county, a testament to the dedication and commitment of its principal, Dr. Mindy Milavsky, and her staff, students, and community. We are all so incredibly proud of this recognition.
Ensuring that Lawrence Middle School remains at the forefront of achievement and innovation is central to the vision of the district’s reconfiguration plan, which will see the eventual integration of sixth graders into LMS. Welcoming the sixth grade into our exceptional middle school is something I am very excited about. The Lawrence Township Board of Education, along with our extraordinary district leadership team has been collaborating with top-notch architects to develop a plan to grow LMS not only to build a specialized sixth-grade wing, but to breathe new life into the existing learning areas with state-of-the-art renovations and enhancements to benefit all students. We believe that our students deserve facilities that support the academic, social, emotional, wellness and creative opportunities available to them.
In addition, the new expansion frees up space in our elementary schools to provide preschool at no cost to families in their own neighborhoods, giving our youngest learners the head start needed to thrive and succeed in their years to come in the district and in our community.
While the essence of the LMS expansion project is to renovate and grow the school to accommodate an additional grade level, our vision extends beyond mere infrastructure expansion. As Lawrence Middle School nears its 75th anniversary, we’re not just renovating; we’re laying the groundwork for the next 75 years. Essentially, we are future proofing this footprint, and we believe space equals opportunity.
Our curriculum teams have been diligently reenvisioning our learning spaces to optimize our future educational needs. Recognizing the significance of modern, cutting-edge facilities in enriching student learning, our plans involve revitalizing the auditorium, cafeteria, science labs, and art and music facilities, ensuring that students have access to a diverse array of learning environments. The introduction of a new full size gymnasium, an outdoor courtyard and enhancements to sports fields emphasize our commitment to community building and fostering a sense of belonging for our students.
Another key objective of this expansion is to meet the needs of our special education students in-district, with a comprehensive continuum of care that enables all students to thrive in our school community and receive the tailored supports to which they are entitled throughout their educational journey.
By enhancing and expanding Lawrence Middle School, we are not only ensuring that our top-rated middle school stays at the top, but also investing in future generations of Lawrence students and the future of our Township as a whole. When our schools are better, the entire community benefits. With the full support and involvement of the district, the board, and you–our valued community members– we can shape the future of our schools and ensure Lawrence remains a beacon of excellence for years to come.
The next Lawrence Township Board of Education meeting is scheduled for June 12, 2024 at 7 pm in the Lawrence High School Media Center (2525 Princeton Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648).
Bond Referendum Community Survey
Lawrence is growing, and it is an exciting time as we reimagine Lawrence Township Public Schools! As we prepare to welcome our third-graders to LIS (upper elementary) and our sixth-graders to LMS as part of our five-year operational plan, the Lawrence Township Board of Education, along with the district leadership team, has been working with top-notch architects to develop a plan to renovate and expand our middle school.
We believe that our students deserve facilities that support the academic, social, emotional, wellness and creative opportunities available to them. As we move toward a March 2025 bond referendum, we will engage our community in the process and ensure all voices are heard. We appreciate you taking the time to fill out this confidential survey (https://forms.gle/3wUgDYMkWiJb9ovMA). Please submit no later than June 14, 2024.
For more information about the LTPS reconfiguration plans, please see this article by Dr. Klim (https://www.communitynews.org/towns/lawrence-gazette/dr-klims-korner-a-district-of-excellence/article_8b38b9e6-07d0-11ef-8687-9f941d2cbff1.html).
Dr. Robyn Klim is superintendent of the Lawrence Township Public Schools.
Lawrence Middle School Principal Dr. Mindy Milavsky (left) and Dr. Robyn A. Klim, LTPS superintendent.,
