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Onward to 2021
December update from Lawrence Schools
Ending a challenging calendar year
Lawrence wishes all students, staff, and families good health, peace, and joy as we celebrate holidays and approach the new calendar year. The Lawrence mission states our mission is to “possess the confidence to meet life’s challenges.” To say 2020 has been a challenge is an understatement. However, together we have moved onward through the greatest health crisis this nation has ever known. We have adjusted our social practices ( who knew social distancing in December 2019?). Our teaching and learning practices are changed. The year saw us logging in more screen time in 2020 then any other year. Sadly, we have also seen friends and family suffer and lose their lives to this deadly virus. Despite these challenges, proudly we have stayed connected while distant and have been responsible and respectful to each other. The new year is certain to present with additional changes and challenges. My hope is we will stay Lawrence strong, and remain kind to one another even if we find ourselves with differing opinions on topics.
Dr. Pedersen
Taking a look back at our success among challenges
Before we turn to the calendar to the new year, we proudly look at the success of 2020.
Perhaps one of the best measures to look at is our Lawrence High School graduating class of 2020. Among our class of 212 learners, 200 graduated with advance regents, regents or local diplomas. That is a 94% graduation rate. Of the twelve students who have yet to graduate, Seven are currently recovering credits to graduate and five moved away before June 2020. The bar has been set high for the class of 2021!
From this to that
There is a rapid pace of improvement to our buildings. The 195 campus on Broadway is currently in phase 2 of construction for a new cafeteria and air conditioning to the second set of classroom spaces. We expect to finish that project with 48 air conditioned classrooms, gym and new cafeteria by September 2021. In our 110 year old Early Childhood Center at #4 School a parking lot expansion is nearing completion. This project cleaned up the grounds and created additional parking. The multi faceted FEMA project at Lawrence High School is also moving along and we look forward to getting to the shovel in the ground stage.
Quiet Hoops
Our 10 new glass backboards and new electronic scoreboard at Lawrence High School are quiet during the cancellation of sports. The state postponement of high risk sports is disappointing to our athletes, families and staff. Given the rising infection rate and the safety protocols we currently are not starting our winter sports program. As the new year begins we will continue to monitor the situation.
What a challenge looks like
The pandemic classroom has very little material and furniture. It allows cleaning and disinfecting to be done. Our materials are stored and await their return to classrooms. Looking at their temporary storage location is very reminiscent of Superstorm Sandy.
Shifting to need
Meeting life’s challenges begin with the basics. The federal food program ensures that school age children are able to have food. Each week preparation for distribution takes place in our gym. This temporary situation takes care of an immediate need.
As we turn to 2021 we must remember all the work that has gone into keep one another safe. The knowledge that a vaccine is on the way gives us hope, however we must stay committed to our three w’s ( wash hands, watch distance and wear a mask). During the holiday break we wish all well and remind families and staff that travel outside the tristate area requires quarantining and/ or testing before reentering school. If the State makes additional decisions that impact school operations we will keep you informed. Stay well and stay informed.
Thank you
With joyful optimism for 2021
Dr. Pedersen
Superintendent of Schools