The high school is in the middle of Semester 1 Finals. Friday is the last day of the semester and is a makeup day for Finals. Congratulations to our early completers who have successfully finished their graduation requirements and will start moving on with their lives after high school: some are taking classes at a community college or starting work, or in one instance, pursuing their goal of becoming a Farrier and heading, right off, to Montana!
Monday, January 22nd, is an In-Service day for Teachers, so no students.
The 3rd Quarter and second semester will start on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Students will receive their schedules in their Homerooms, which we will hold first thing in the morning on Tuesday.
Looking ahead, we are preparing our Program of Studies for course sign ups which will be held later next month - we usually look to have current students sign up after February Break. We will be getting notifications out to the parents of our incoming Freshmen for our 8th Grade Parent’s Night at which we will go over the high school programming and preview the Program of Studies to help with their course sign-ups. This date is still being set but we’re looking to hold it the week before February break. A letter will be sent home informing parents of that meeting. We would encourage you to bring your son or daughter to that evening meeting, even though we will have held an informational meeting with the 8th graders, beforehand.
Where we are in the midst of our winter season, storms could potentially impact our days with early releases or late arrivals or cancellations altogether. I’ve included a copy of our bell schedule that includes schedules for anticipated early releases and late arrivals. While there may still be some slight alterations, these have held pretty consistently.
The 7th & 8th grade chorus students did an amazing job with their winter concert held on Wednesday, January 10th. The hard work and commitment of our students, our choral director, and our pianist made for an evening of fine entertainment.
At Clinton Elementary School Miss Petrie's class is working hard in their new first grade writing offices. This week they were able to free write and work on stretching out their letter sounds and really trying their best! They did a great job and are falling more in love with writing everyday!
At Albion Elementary School Mrs. Wastella's fourth-grade class is currently delving into the fascinating realm of Continents and Oceans. This educational journey holds significant importance as it enables students to expand their geographic knowledge and global awareness. Through engaging lessons and interactive activities, the students not only grasp the essential concepts of continents and oceans but also develop a broader perspective of the world around them. Mrs. Wastella's approach fosters curiosity and understanding, laying the foundation for a well-rounded and informed education.
At Fairfield Primary School in Mrs. LaBrance and Miss Newcomb's Pre-K class, students are engaged in a variety of centers to enhance their learning experience. One particularly significant center involves designing stable structures resilient to simulated wind (using a hairdryer). This activity not only sparks creativity but also teaches the importance of stability and problem-solving. Additionally, students are engaged in coloring exercises, interactive games, and activities focused on caring for animals. These diverse centers cater to various aspects of a child's development, fostering essential skills such as teamwork, creativity, and responsibility.
Benton Elementary fifth graders in Katherine Goodrich's class enjoyed a special treat after reading the novel Poppy, written by Avi. Students had the opportunity to extend their learning by dissecting owl pellets and sorting bones into different categories to discover what their owls had eaten for lunch.
Lawrence High School’s EMPOWER group made a presentation to the School Board on January 4th informing them of their work with the elementary schools in the district and their mission of empowering students to find their passion and abstain from substance use. They present a themed puppet show and conduct a Q & A session when they visit the schools. Below is a picture of the students speaking to the Board members on the 4th, along with their two advisors: Mr. Firmage and Mr. Spears.
In other news, on Wednesday evening the Winter Concert for the Choral groups took place in the Williamson Center. This was a concert of the Junior High and High School Chorus groups. It was a nice show to see and listen to. We have some wonderful singing voices and talent throughout the program. Below are two pictures: the first one is of the High School Jazz Choir and the second one is the High School Chorus. We are looking forward to the spring concert series from our Music Department later in the year.
Lastly, a reminder to folks that next week the high school will have their finals and midterms. Tuesday will be a regular day, but starting Wednesday, there will be morning finals and dismissal at 10:45 AM each day. Friday is only for students who need to take a make-up exam. The new semester starts on Tuesday, January 23rd. (Monday, January 22nd is a Teacher In-service day - no school for students). Have a good week.
At Albion Elementary School each student selected a book focused on science or history, delving into its content and articulating the significance of their newfound knowledge. This activity not only promotes independent learning but also encourages critical thinking as students reflect on the importance of the information they've gathered.
Before Christmas break the Clinton Elementary Student council sponsored a special afternoon of holiday activities.
Students were paired up oldest and youngest and moved through stations which included the following; Holiday Crafts, Reindeer Games in the gym, Christmas Trivia in teams using Kahoot as well as a snack. Here are some pictures from our photo booth station.
At Fairfield Primary Mrs. Sweatt's class engaged in an exciting owl adventure after reading Owl Moon, fostering a hands-on learning experience that is particularly impactful for young students.
Benton Elementary students and staff were happy to return to school after the infamous Grinch Storm…and lucky for us, it was PJ Day!
First grade teacher Annie Jewel ended up twinning with one of her students, and Melissa Patterson’s first graders tried on their new holiday socks (a special delivery from the North Pole). All first graders received a gift of hats and mittens, made and donated by first-grade teacher Kristen Skehan’s grandma.
Second graders listened to The Polar Express, read by assistant principal Kellie Paisley-Hopper, and enjoyed ringing bells of their own while eating cookies.
Stephanie Walston’s second graders and Bridget West’s third graders, along with many other students and staff members, were comfy all day in their holiday pajamas.
Fourth grade students in Kori Whited’s class learned about acids, bases, and the PH scale by putting candy canes in different liquids. They made predictions and then wrote about the results.
Fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade classes wrapped up the day enjoying holiday movies.
All in all we had a great day spending time together in the comfort of our school.
The Lawrence Junior High School 2023/2024 yearbook team has been working hard gathering pictures, and articles, covering school events, and planning for this year's school yearbook. It should be amazing!
Lawrence High School is back from vacation. Classroom work is picking up again. The combined Jr. High and High School Choral Holiday Concert is on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Williamson Performing Arts Center. Work is being done to wrap up the second quarter and prepare for midterms and finals which will occur the week of January 15, 2024. (There is no school on 1/15/24 to celebrate and reflect upon the work of Dr. Martin Luther King.) The schedule for that week are as follows:
Midterm/Final EXAM SCHEDULE- January 16, 17, 18, 19 - 2024
All students in grades 9-12 will follow the time schedule listed below for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, January 16 - 18, 2024. The Exam Make-up Day is scheduled for Friday, January 19, 2024. Scheduled exams are mandatory for students. Any student wishing to take any exam(s) at a time other than what is on the regular schedule must have prior approval by Administration and the Teacher. Students with a Study Hall assigned in their schedule do not have to be in school for the Study Hall. If, however, you are in school, the assigned Study Hall will be in the Cafe and Library.
Buses will depart from the high school at 10:45 AM. If students are scheduling make-up exams, they must arrange for a ride home after their make-up exam. Students reliant upon bus transportation home after a make-up exam, must wait in the cafeteria or Library until the regular release time at 2:00PM to catch their regular bus home. (Jr. High buses will run at the regular time)
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
REGULAR DAY AFTER BLOCK 1 - AM-MMTC Students attend MMTC (regular time)
Block 1 Exam 7:35 - 8:41 AM
Advisory 8:46 - 9:14 AM
Blocks 2, 3, 4, 5 Regular schedule for students (including PM-MMTC students).
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
AM-MMTC Students attend MMTC and will return early for lunch.
No PM-MMTC
Block 2 Exam 7:35 - 8:40 AM
BREAK 8:45 - 9:05 AM
Block 3 Exam 9:10 - 10:15 AM
Lunch 10:15 - 10:40 AM
Buses depart at 10:45 AM
Make-Up Exam Time: 10:45 - 11:50 AM
Thursday, January 18, 2024
No AM-MMTC and No PM-MMTC
Block 4 Exam 7:35 - 8:40 AM
BREAK 8:45 - 9:05 AM
Block 5 Exam 9:10 - 10:15 AM
Lunch 10:15 - 10:40 AM
Buses depart at 10:45 AM
Make-up Exam Time 10:45 - 11:50 AM
Friday, January 19, 2024
No MMTC for our students today.
*Only students who have to take an exam need to come into school today.
Make-up Exam 7:35 - 8:40 AM / Break 8:40 - 9:00 AM
Make-up Exam 9:05 - 10:10 AM
Lunch 10:15 - 10:40 AM
Bus Departure Time 10:45 AM
Clinton Elementary has been buzzing with excitement throughout December as we've been indulging in a month-long festivity of thrilling theme days! Brace yourselves because, on the electrifying Grinch Day last week, we were graced by an extraordinary and surprise visitor that made the day even more magical!
After hearing the Gingerbread Man story, the students at Fairfield Primary in Mrs. Sweatt’s class went on a scavenger hunt around the building to find the gingerbread man. There were clues everywhere! They ended up finding them in their classrooms and got to decorate them before eating them up!
At Albion Elementary the school Christmas concert proved to be a heartwarming celebration, uniting our school community in the spirit of joy and festivity. With students showcasing their musical talents, the concert provided a platform for creativity and expression.
In other news, in a delightful blend of festive creativity and early technology exploration, the kindergarten computer class embarked on a charming project – crafting binary code wreath ornaments. These little learners, with their tiny hands and curiosity, eagerly engaged in the process of creating ornaments that added a unique touch to the holiday season.
At Lawrence High School students and staff from LEAP worked with Heather Drew-Clark, our Kitchen Manager, and hosted a community supper on Thursday, December 14th in the Jr. High Cafeteria. It was in collaboration with our Farm & Sea to School program we are involved with for this year in an effort to showcase locally grown foods.
The menu is pictured below. The food was fabulous! A special thanks to three of our students for helping to serve the meals last week: Ashley Rockwell, Alina Rodrigue-Butler, and Elijah Cormier. The service was as good as the meal! Heather Drew-Clark did a fabulous job preparing the meal, as well!
Also, last week, the High School and Jr. High Bands hosted their Holiday Concert on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, in the Williamson Performing Arts Center. It provided a bit of holiday cheer and music for all in attendance! The high school band also performed for the high school during our Community Homeroom held on the same day. Some pictures from the concert are below.
At Clinton Elementary, students are actively engaged in foundational literacy skills such as letter identification, letter sounds, and word knowledge, all while incorporating technology into their learning. This integration is crucial as it not only enhances traditional literacy development but also equips students with essential technological skills, preparing them for a well-rounded education in our digital age.
Fairfield Primary and Albion Elementary School are embracing the holiday magic. The elementary schools recently welcomed special and enchanting visitors – real reindeer! In a heartwarming celebration, students had the extraordinary opportunity to witness these majestic creatures up close, igniting a sense of wonder and joy. This hands-on experience not only added a sprinkle of holiday cheer but also created lasting memories, fostering a festive atmosphere and inspiring curiosity among our young learners.
Fifth-grade classes at Benton Elementary have committed to a year-long recycling initiative for their Service Learning Project. Students hope to collect used paper from all the upstairs classrooms for the remainder of the school year, with hopes this project will carry on for years to come. Casella Waste recently partnered with our school to provide an afternoon program of hands-on stations, designed to help our fifth graders learn all about the recycling process. Thank you Casella Waste! In addition, students have spent time creating posters to be displayed on the recycling bins and short presentations to inform other classes about their goals. The students are very invested in working together and taking a giant step towards a greener future at Benton Elementary!
