Saludos Lawrence Public Schools families. There is a lot to share with you as we enter our April break, which will be followed by a very important final few months of the school year.
I must begin by expressing the deepest condolences of everyone at LPS to all those affected by the recent nightclub tragedy in Santo Domingo. For a community as deeply and proudly connected to the Dominican Republic as Lawrence, such a loss is intimately personal and unimaginably painful.
As we all gather with loved ones over the holiday weekend, I know our collective thoughts will continue to be with the countless people still grieving and recovering, both here at home and in the Dominican Republic.
Looking ahead, please read below for updates and reminders about the busy days, weeks and months to come for LPS schools:
- Spring vacation starts after school tomorrow! All schools and district offices are closed Friday, April 18 (Good Friday) and Monday, April 21 (Patriots Day). This includes Acceleration Academies, which will run next Tuesday through Friday for participating students. LPS returns to school on Monday, April 28.
- If there are no more cancellations, the last day of this school year for most of LPS will be a half day on Tuesday, June 17. The Leahy, Oliver Middle and SES school years will end with a half day on Wednesday, June 18; and RISE Academy will finish June 25.
- We are very excited to be launching a full-day preschool program next year! Located in the new Lawrence Early Childhood Center at 303 Haverhill St. (St. Mary’s), it is a two-year, districtwide program with limited seats available through a lottery. Please look closely at the details and consider applying if you think it might be a good fit for your child and family! Note that the lottery is only for the limited number of seats in the new full-day preK program. Regular annual enrollment for half day preK (morning or afternoon) and kindergarten will open next month, with space for all age-eligible children residing in Lawrence.
- You may remember that spring also means it is time for the Family Experience Questionnaire, with the survey opening April 28-May 9. This is an essential tool for our understanding of your family’s and child’s school experience, which helps us plan, prioritize resources, and improve. So thank you for being sure to complete it when your child’s school shares details very soon.
- Finally, there are many opportunities ahead to see our student artists shine. After a successful opening night attended by hundreds of families, the District Art and Self-portrait Show will be on display at Lawrence Heritage State Park throughout April. Next month we have the AP Art Showcase (May 14 at the Lawrence Public Library) and our first outdoor District Music Fest (May 15 on Campagnone Common), followed by the District Dance Showcase on June 5 at LHS.
I said it was a busy time, so if you’ve made it to the end thank you for reading! Please be sure to follow LPS on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and flickr and regularly check our website for details and updates on everything above.
Have a wonderful holiday weekend and April vacation, and we look forward to seeing everyone again on April 28.
Respectfully,
Ralph Carrero
Superintendent, Lawrence Public Schools
