October

Principal's Welcome Letter
October at Lawrence Brook: One Team, One Dream!
As we settle into October, it is hard to believe how quickly the school year is moving! Our Lawrence Brook Bears have made a wonderful transition into the new school year, and each day I continue to see students growing, learning, building friendships, and becoming more confident members of our school community.
Our theme, “One Team, One Dream,” continues to come to life throughout our building. From classrooms and hallways to the playground and cafeteria, our students and staff are learning what it means to work together, support one another, and take pride in being a Lawrence Brook Bear. Our motto, “Every Bear, Every Day, Leading the Way!”, reminds us that each of us has an important role to play in making Lawrence Brook a great place to learn and grow.
October also marks an important point in our instructional year. Our teachers are getting to know their students as learners, using assessment information to identify strengths and areas for growth, and adjusting instruction to meet individual needs. Our WIN (What I Need) time is now underway, giving students additional opportunities for targeted support, enrichment, and practice based on their individual learning needs. We are also continuing our work with CKLA, strengthening literacy instruction across our primary grades.
Just as importantly, we are continuing to build a positive school culture through our BEAR/PBIS initiative. We are explicitly teaching and reinforcing the behaviors and expectations that help make our school a safe, respectful, and welcoming place for everyone. Our BEAR values - Bravery, Empathy, Attitude, and Respect are becoming part of the language we use every day. We will continue to recognize and celebrate our students when they demonstrate what it means to be a Lawrence Brook Bear.
As we move through the fall, we remain grounded in the six core values of the East Brunswick Public Schools Strategic Plan - Care, Trust, Relationships, Belonging, Communication, and Excellence. These values guide the way we work with our students, our families, and one another, and they help us create a school community where every child knows they belong.
Thank you to our staff for the energy, dedication, and care you bring to school each day. Thank you to our families for your continued partnership and support. And, most importantly, thank you to our students for making Lawrence Brook such a special place. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and smiles are a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do every day.
There is a lot ahead this fall: learning, growing, celebrating, and, of course, plenty of fun along the way! I look forward to sharing another great month with our Lawrence Brook Bears.
With gratitude,
Peter DiBernardi
Principal
Lawrence Brook Elementary School
“One Team, One Dream”
Peace Week
Peace Week at School
Next week, our school will celebrate Peace Week, a special time dedicated to promoting kindness, respect, empathy, and inclusion. Throughout the week, students will participate in age-appropriate activities, discussions, and classroom lessons that encourage them to build positive relationships, appreciate differences, and make peaceful choices.
Peace Week provides an opportunity for students to learn how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in creating a caring school community. From friendship-building activities to daily themes and school-wide events, students will explore ways to show compassion, resolve conflicts respectfully, and help everyone feel welcomed and valued.
We encourage families to continue these conversations at home by talking with your child about the importance of kindness, understanding, and treating others with respect. Together, we can help our students develop the skills and character that foster a safe, supportive, and peaceful learning environment for all.
We look forward to a meaningful and inspiring Peace Week!
Lawrence Brook Student Clubs
Clubs are still accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year. Take a look and join in on the fun!
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Oct. 20-Oct. 23. The schedule for the week is as follows:
Evening Conferences- 5:00-8:00, Oct. 20 and 22;
Afternoon Conferences 2:00-3:30, Oct. 21 and 23
Registration Opens In A Few Weeks....Stay Tuned!
Single Session Days - 10/20-10/23....Students will be dismissed at 1:35 pm
Warmly,
Peter DiBernardi
Principal
Lawrence Brook Elementary School
(732) 613-6871
"One Team, One Dream"
Genesis Parent Access
Genesis-Parent Access will be used, once again, this school year. Parent Access is an online communication system used by parents to access report cards, attendance, and other student information. As we did last year, this school year, you will update and submit annual information forms through Parent Access. This information is vital to ensure the efficient and safe functioning of the building.
You can access the Genesis Parent Portal by visiting www.ebnet.org/genesis.
You will find instructions on completing these forms on that webpage. Please note, if you have multiple Parent Access accounts, only the primary email address (Guardian 1) will have the ability to update this information.
If you have an established Parent Access account, the email address, login and password information that you previously established will remain the same. If you are new to the system, a welcome email with login information and a temporary password will be sent to the primary email address that you indicated at the time of registration.
Governor's Award
The Governor’s Educator of the Year Award is a prestigious recognition for educators who make a profound difference in students’ lives and the communities they serve.
New this year, we are expanding eligibility to include students in grades 7–12 and parents/guardians of all students. Please be sure to include the nominee’s first and last name. Nominations are anonymous and those submitted without a full name will not be considered.
Please note that the surveys for district employees, parents/guardians, and students will close promptly on Wednesday, November 4, at 4:00 p.m.
Parent/Student Nomination Survey for Staff Awards – Fill out form
Devices in School!
Transportation
For Transportation Information, check Parent Access.
Each student is required to be picked up and discharged at the assigned bus stop listed on the bus pass. Drivers are prohibited from relocating designated stops or allowing students to disembark at any other location. Please allow 15 minutes before and after the scheduled stop time for your child’s bus to arrive. Any transportation changes or questions should be directed to the Transportation Department at 732-613-6740.
Keeping in Touch!
Absence Reporting- Open access until 8:45 AM.
Regular and punctual attendance is essential to student success. Being at school every day and arriving on time helps students maintain consistent learning routines and develop a strong sense of responsibility.
If your child will be absent, please report the absence online before school begins, provide a note, or call the attendance line at 732-613-6870. The attendance line is available 24 hours a day; please listen for the prompt and leave a clear message. If we do not receive notification, the school will contact you to ensure the safety of your child.
To report your child’s absence online, please log into your Parent Access Account in Genesis and select Attendance → Notify Office. This ensures accurate attendance records.
How to report an absence:
Go to https://parents.ebnet.org and log in to the Parent Portal.
On the left menu, click ATTENDANCE → NOTIFY OFFICE.
From the drop-down menu, select the type of absence.
Enter the date your child will be absent.
If the absence is for more than one day, enter the last day in the UP THROUGH field.
If you have more than one child, check the box next to the child who will be absent.
If you have a doctor’s note or other document, you may upload it by clicking CHOOSE FILES.
Write the reason for the absence and any extra information, then click SUBMIT TO OFFICE.
Dismissal Change Form- Available from 8-2PM Daily.
If your child’s dismissal plans need to be changed, please complete the Dismissal Change Form using the following link: Dismissal Change Form
Child Nutrition
Information regarding the Free and Reduced School Meals and Menus can be found on the district website under Child Nutrition. The Application for Free and Reduced Meals can be found in your Genesis Parent Portal under the “forms” tab.
If you do not have access to the internet, please email the Child Nutrition Department at childnutrition@ebnet.org for more information on how to fill out the application and the Meal Program.
Additional Information from the Child Nutrition Department
This is a reminder that breakfast is offered each morning at every school throughout the district.
It is important to note that students who do not have enough time to eat their breakfast in the cafeteria may take it to their first period class and eat it there.
If your child qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, they may receive BOTH a breakfast and a lunch at no charge.
Families may apply for free and reduced-price meals at any time during the school year. The application can be found in your child’s Parent Access account under the “Forms” tab.
Feel free to contact us at childnutrition@ebnet.org with any questions.
Parent Teacher Association
Parent Teacher Association
Get access to important events, contacts, fundraising, membership information, and more by visiting the Lawrence Brook PTA website: https://lb.ebnet.org/pta
Dear Lawrence Brook PTA Families,
As we move into October, I want to take a moment to thank our Lawrence Brook PTA and families for helping make such a wonderful start to the school year. The energy and enthusiasm that our parent community brings to Lawrence Brook are an important part of what makes our school so special. Thanks for hosting our sweet Ice Cream Social and kicking off our Fall Fundraiser with mums and decorations.
Our theme this year, “One Team, One Dream,” is a great reflection of the partnership between our school, our families, and our PTA. Whether you volunteer your time, participate in school events, support fundraising efforts, become a PTA member, or simply encourage your children each day, your involvement makes a difference.
There is already so much happening at Lawrence Brook, and the months ahead will bring even more opportunities for our students and families to learn, connect, and celebrate together. I am grateful for the PTA’s continued support of our students, teachers, and school community.
Thank you for being such an important part of the Lawrence Brook team. I look forward to all that we will continue to accomplish together this year!
One Team. One Dream. One Lawrence Brook.
With appreciation,
Peter DiBernardi
Principal
"One Team, One Dream"
Candy Donations Needed!
"Greetings! We are so close to our Trunk or Treat & Fall Fest Fundraiser on 10/27. Please consider donating candy to our event by way of the Candy Monster at the lobby."
East Brunswick Community Events
ADULT and STUDENT (Grades 7-12) CPR TRAININGS: Be prepared to respond when it matters most. Join us for a hands-on CPR/AED and First Aid training session designed to provide adults with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively in life-threatening situations. Participants will receive a two-year CPR/AED and First Aid certification that can be used for employment. Adult Class Date: November 9, 2026 (Registration Closes October 26th) Students (Grades 7-12) Class Date: November 2, 2026 (Registration Closes October 19th). Registration: www.ebnet.org/enrichment and further select EBHS or Churchill for student program, or Adult Programming for the Adult CPR Training.
SCHOOL’S OUT TRIP GRADES K-6 NOVEMBER 3RD TO STERLING HILL MINING MUSEUM! Join us for an exciting day of exploration and discovery at the Sterling Hill Mining Museum, one of the oldest mines in the country and New Jersey’s last working underground mine! Students in grades K–6 will explore the famous Rainbow Tunnel, Museum of Fluorescence, and glowing mineral displays. They will also enjoy a hands-on rock discovery activity, learn how mining works, and discover the process from drilling to ore processing. Bonus: Every student gets to take home their very own gemstone! Registration: www.ebnet.org/enrichment and select School’s Out.
Warnsdorfer PTA's 4th Grade Committee is hosting a Bingo & Tricky Tray Fundraiser on Friday, November 13th. This event is for adults only 21+ from 6-10 pm at the Knights of Columbus in Spotswood. Purchase tickets here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/bingo-and-tricky-tray-fundraiser-event
The East Brunswick Education Foundation’s 4th annual Bear Crawl will be on November 15th at 8:30 AM. Kids races will begin at 10:00 am. Early Bear pricing is available until September 30th. Register online today! https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/EastBrunswick/EBEFBearCrawlA5KRunWalk
The East Brunswick Public Library is hosting their 51st Annual Book and Media Sale from October 19th through October 25th at the EB Public Library. Please see flyer for details: 2026BOOKSALE.png
Blackhawks Boys Lacrosse Fall Shootaround and Scrimmage: Please flyer for more information: BlackhawkShootaround.jpg
Blackhawks Boys Lacrosse Ghosts and Goals Halloween Lacrosse Clinic - October 31st at 10 am. Please see flyer for more information: GhostsandGoals.jpg
The East Brunswick Co-Ed Wrestling Club registration is now open. Please see flyer for more information: EBWrestling.png
Scouting is for everyone ages 5yrs-17yrs old. Come join EB SCOUTS 132 where we put the 'outing' in Scouting! https://forms.gle/JR8F26rSGeTA6TyE9
Troop 132 East Brunswick Scouts Ages 11-17 years, 10 years old if completed fifth grade! Register here- https://my.scouting.org/VES/OnlineReg/1.0.0/?tu=UF-MB-347taa0132
Cub Scout Pack 132 - East Brunswick, NJ Kindergarten through fifth grade (5-10 yrs old)! Register here- https://my.scouting.org/VES/OnlineReg/1.0.0/?tu=UF-MB-347paa013. Meetings on Tuesdays at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Cannot make it? Request info here: https://tinyurl.com/Scouts132-requestinfo/
Girl Scouts builds Courage, Confidence and Character. Be a Girl Scout! Whether your family is ready to jump in, or just looking for information, scan the QR code in the flier to get started. Please see flyer for more information: beagirlscoutversionqrcode.pdf
For littles who cannot wait to be a Girl Scout, consider Silly Seeds. This is a Girl Scout program for toddlers and an adult held at our amazing Girl Scout DreamLab. Courage, Confidence and Character has no age limit. Please see flyer for more information: sillyseedswithGirlScouts.pdf
Middlesex College - Join the Empower Program - The EMPOWER Program is a free pre-college exposure initiative designed for middle and high school students, grades 7th through 10th in New Brunswick and surrounding communities. Through interactive workshops, mentorship, and hands-on experiences, students develop essential college and career readiness skills, explore academic and professional pathways, strengthen their mental wellness, and engage in meaningful community involvement. EMPOWER creates a supportive space where students can build confidence and expand their vision for the future. Please see flyer for more information: EMPOWERRecruitmentFlyerEnglishSpanish20261pdf4.pdf
Important Dates
October 19 to 23- PTA Theater Week
October 20 to 23- Parent-Teacher Conferences/Single Session Dismissal at 1:35PM
October 27- PTA Trunk or Treat
October 28- EBHS Tricks and Treats
October 30- Halloween Parade and Class Parties