By Dana Drake
At Lawrence Township Public Schools we are fortunate to have staff dedicated to student achievement, providing students with innovative educational experiences in the classroom and important services outside the classroom environment.
The Governor’s Teacher/Educational Services Professional Recognition Program recognizes such contributions of one teacher and one educational service professional at each of our seven schools.
On behalf of the Lawrence Board of Education, I’d like to congratulate the award recipients in the 2015-16 Governor’s Teacher/Educational Services Professional Recognition Program:
Ben Franklin School: Amy Reif (ASI teacher) and Wendy Offery (library media specialist).
Eldridge Park School: Lisa Adams (3rd grade teacher) and Elizabeth Mayo (occupational therapist).
Lawrence Elementary School: Maria Raimondo (art teacher) and Karen Palmer (occupational therapist).
Slackwood Elementary School: Patricia Murphy (special education teacher) and Kathlinda Saretzky (library assistant).
Lawrence Intermediate School: Michael Werynski (special education teacher) and Gabrielle Casieri (library media specialist).
Lawrence Middle School: Melissa Clark (music/instrumental teacher) and Vincent Damiano (speech therapist).
Lawrence High School: Jennifer Gwenn Andahazy (science teacher) and Alexandra Gonzalez (guidance counselor).
At LTPS we are also fortunate to have administrators committed to our student’s overall growth, development and success. Lawrence Middle School Principal Mindy Milavsky was selected by the New Jersey Music Educators Association as the 2016 Outstanding School Administrator.
This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to music education, both within the confines of their school districts and beyond. The NJMEA will present the award this month at a luncheon during its annual state convention. Congratulations Ms. Milavsky and thank you for all you do!
With such great staff and administrators throughout LTPS, it is no surprise the district has such talented students. There are many opportunities throughout the year to showcase our talented students, such as this month’s Science & Engineering Fair.
The Science Fair is a judged competition for grades 4-8, but the day of the Fair is open to all grade levels and the general public. On Saturday, Feb. 20 from 1 to 3 p.m., the Lawrence High School Commons will be filled with fun, hands-on scientific demonstrations led by local scientists and students and the hallway will be filled with student poster board experiments.
In honor of Black History Month, LHS is hosting a Black History Celebration on Friday, Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. in the auditorium. Last year’s event was outstanding; I cannot wait to see what this year’s celebration will include.
Also, mark your calendars; the Community Conversation is set for Tuesday, April 26 at 7 p.m. in the Lawrence High School Commons. Parents, staff and the community at large are invited to learn what’s in our new, five-year strategic plan and more! Stay tuned for more info.
Speaking of calendars, at the January 13 BOE meeting, the board approved school calendars for the 2016–2017 and 2017–2018 school years. These calendars can be accessed online at ltps.org via the “District Calendar” quick link.
We have a four day weekend this month. School will be closed Friday, Feb. 12 for professional development, and Monday, Feb. 15 for President’s Day.
Dana Drake is a member of the Lawrence Township Board of Education. Her email is ddrake@ltps.org.
