Parent Letter August 20, 2020
August 20, 2020
Hello Lawrence Middle School Families,
We hope that this letter finds everyone healthy and happy as we are quickly coming to the end of the most unusual summer of our times. Thank you for your continued support and patience as we worked through the many school-related challenges that we faced during this pandemic. As you may have heard, the Board of Education approved a fully virtual format for all Lawrence Township Public Schools at their August 12th meeting.
Throughout the past few weeks, district subcommittees worked on the “Road Back” plans as prescribed by Governor Murphy and helped us plan for the approaching school year. Student and staff safety and health were at the forefront of all decision-making efforts. The plan to return to school is based on a series of phases that begins with students fully virtual, transitioning to a hybrid model, and then at the appropriate time, returning to school with full days, and all students and staff physically present on campus. Like every family in the community, we too want to return to normal school days and “business as usual.” However, the need to guard each and every individual’s health and safety are paramount in our actions and will continue to remain our top priority. Dr. Kasun’s phase-in plan can be located on the district website.
To further support our return back to school, the Lawrence Township Public School calendar has been adjusted; the district website will reflect those changes soon. Please note that students will now start the school year on Tuesday, September 8th.
Parents who are in need of childcare will be pleased to learn that the Capital Area YMCA will provide childcare within the Lawrence Township Public Schools during the school day when school starts on September 8th. They are developing all the details and protocols for the program and will hold an Online Town hall Session via Zoom on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 6 pm. For all of the information and details about childcare within our schools, please visit: Childcare Learning Centers During Remote Instruction.
Schedules for all LMS students will be available on Genesis (student information portal) on Friday, August 28th sometime after 3:00 pm. When the portal opens, students will have the opportunity to log into Genesis to see their class schedules, house assignment, and names of their teachers. We encourage all students and their families to review their schedules prior to the start of the school year and please email your school counselor with any questions or concerns.
Ms. Christine Bobb-Nicholas House of Draco
Orion A-L
Ms. Elizabeth Guarini House of Phoenix
Orion M-Z
During the time of virtual learning, students will be using their school-issued laptop and .info email account. Students must continue to keep the laptop in its case to avoid unnecessary damage. In the unforeseen circumstance that a student has an issue with their laptop, appointments can be made online through the Technology Department: Tech Help.
Additional supplies should consist of a notebook, pens/pencils, and highlighters. While students are on remote learning, they should utilize supplies which help them to maintain organization. They should be mindful that once a hybrid format is put into place, additional supplies may be requested from their teachers.
As mentioned above, our parents, faculty, and staff have provided valuable input that supported the development of our virtual schedule. You will find the schedule includes direct instruction from teachers at designated times. This is an enhanced plan from the spring remote experience.
The most recent draft of our weekly bell schedule is included below. When the time comes to transition to a hybrid model, we will adjust the schedule accordingly. You will notice the draft bell schedule below consists of a Week 1/Week 2 rotating schedule. The rotating weeks allows us to incorporate our alternate day schedule. When students receive their individual schedules, the rotation will be clearer. Prior to the beginning of school, families will be sent a tutorial video which will review and explain all of the components of the schedule.
- Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class period
We will continue to communicate with you as we approach the first day of school on September 8th. Stay tuned for video tutorials and an interactive website with remote learning resources. Further information will include:
- Google Classroom
- ZOOM Access
- How to use Genesis
- Learning resources and materials
- Virtual classroom structure and protocols (synchronous instruction)
- Updated grading policies
- Student learning expectations
Please continue to enjoy the last few weeks of summer, especially now that we have a better understanding of what September holds for all of us. If you have any questions, please contact the Main Office. Staff is in the office, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. We all look forward to a time when we can be physically back together on campus. Until then, stay safe, healthy, and mindful. We remain #LawrenceStrong. Stay well and take care!
Sincerely,
Ms. Milavsky, Principal
Mr. Merrill, Assistant Principal