By Jo Ann Groeger
Over the past few years, you, the community spoke, and we listened! Consequently, the Board of Education provided funds to phase in facility-related improvements within the district including: a new gym floor at the middle school, revenue generating solar panels, Slackwood’s fitness track, new lighting in gymnasiums, and energy efficient lights with motion sensors throughout the district.
From a discussion at the district’s October 2012 Community Conversation and a follow-up discussion about athletics and extracurricular activities on Jan. 24, 2013 involving interested stakeholders, the Board of Education and Superintendent Crystal Edwards modified the district’s strategic plan. With technology already incorporated into many of the other district objectives, Goal Area 3 of the plan was changed from “Future Technology” to “Total Child” and reads:
“To provide a well-rounded and balanced educational experience by providing opportunities for exposure to and participation in physical fitness, wellness and athletic programming; artistic, musical and dramatic activities; and character development and group activities to supplement, challenge and enhance the mind, body and horizons of every child. A supporting objective/outcome and activity for this goal include:
Administrators and staff will develop, implement and actively recruit students to participate in extracurricular activities that support fitness, healthy living, sportsmanship and athletic competition.
2012-2013: Meet with community members and assess offerings, concerns, successes, challenges and participation rates.
Develop a participation and support plan.”
To meet this goal, Dr. Edwards formed a committee to develop an Athletic Strategic Plan. The group’s initial meeting was March 13. The athletic program is multi-faceted, impacted by things such as sports offerings, facilities, funding, communication, expectations, coaches, students, parents, transportation and more. No matter what area of district operations or initiatives, there’s always room for improvement and we want to do our best to assist our staff and to help our students grow and succeed. The committee will look closely at the whole scope of the athletic program, to develop uniform processes and practices. We’ll keep you posted along the road to the Athletic Strategic Plan.
What better way to celebrate the “Total Child” than to congratulate Lawrence High School junior David Connelly, who was selected as the student conductor for the Philly Pops Orchestra performance held on Sept. 27 at the Patriot’s Theater at the Trenton War Memorial when he conducted the theme from “Rocky.”
On Tuesday, Nov. 4, voters will be asked to select from the four candidates to fill three seats on the school board. The candidates are: Glenn Collins, Dana Rachel Drake, Harriet W. Johnson and Max Ramos.
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.
