By Jo Ann Groeger
Lawrence Township public schools opened the doors for the first day of the 2014/2015 school year Tuesday, Sept. 2 and kicked off the year with an all-staff presentation from Dr. John Draper challenging staff to continue the great work they do and promoting their successes and those of the students. Thanks to the hard work of the district’s custodial and maintenance workers, all of the schools’ classrooms and athletic fields were in tip-top shape for Wednesday, Sept. 3, the first day for students.
The new school year brought with it many new faces to the Cardinal family. Heidi Rosen and Michele Deremer are the district’s new Student Services Supervisors. Rosen will supervise grades 6 to graduation and Deremer will cover grades Pre-K through 6. Ed Treadaway will serve as the new transportation coordinator.
There are also changes to Lawrence athletics this fall. Nate Jones takes over the helm on the gridiron following the departure of longtime football coach Rob Radice. For the first time in its history, Lawrence will field a cross country program at the middle school, with Erin Chiaravalloti serving as the coach for the Cardinal runners. Ken Mason, Director of Athletics, Health and Physical Education, announced he will be retiring Dec. 31; a review committee of students, coaches, administrators and parents has been formed to aid in the process to find the new director. Look for our Fall athletic schedule on our website, and come out and support the Red and White at one of the games, races or matches. Go Cardinals!
Another first this year is the Board of Education elections, scheduled to be held in November instead of April. There is still plenty of time to get to know the candidates who are vying for the three seats up for grabs on Nov. 4.
Mark your calendars — the next Community Conversation has been set for Dec. 3. From prior Community Conversations, “you spoke, we listened,” and an Athletic Strategic plan and a plan for Special Education is in the process of being developed. The main topic will be developing and administering a new strategic plan for the district. Babysitting will be available. We want and need community input.
The first few weeks of a new school year can be a whirlwind of activity with Back to School Night, teacher conferences, PTO events and more. You can keep updated on all these events by visiting the district’s website, ltps.org.
Jo Ann Groeger is a member of the Lawrence Township Board of Education. To submit a question or topic to the board, email askaboardmember@ltps.org. Your question may be addressed at the next board meeting.
