Lawson Monday Memo
08.10.2026
Family Monday Memo Agenda:
- Weekly Highlights
- Student Opportunities
- Lawson Student Section
- Athletics
- Upcoming Dates
📅Lawson Monday Memo: Aug, 10, 2026
Dear Parents & Families,
Welcome back to a new school year at James Lawson High School! We are excited to see familiar faces and new ones joining our
Lawson family. Below you will find some quick reference information specifically concerning the first days of school and upcoming
school events.
Each week, we will send a Monday Memo to keep you informed about important school news, upcoming events, and reminders. Be sure to check your email each week so you don't miss any updates.
Also, follow our official school Instagram accounts:
- @jameslawsonhighschool for school news, student highlights, and campus events.
- @lawsonlightningathletics for athletic updates, schedules, and scores.
Schedule for the Week (8/10- 8/15)
Monday, August 10th
Schedule: PD/Planning Day
Tuesday, August 11th
Schedule: All classes (1-2-3-4-5-6-7)
Events:
1st Day of School
Senior Sunrise (front of school, 5:30am)
Wednesday, August 12th
Schedule: 1-3-5-CCR-7
Events:
- Wednesday is our new College Shirt Day!!! Wear College Shirt Days on Wed!!
Girls Soccer vs Giles County - scrimmage at Lawson
JV 5:00pm & Varsity 6:15pm
Thursday, August 13th
Schedule: 1-2-4-CCR-6
Events:
10th Grade Meeting (LPAC) during CCR
9th Grade Meeting (LPAC) during CCR
Football Jamboree at Maplewood, 7pm
- Volleyball vs Nashville Christian at Lawson- JV 5:30pm & Varsity 6:30pm
Girls Soccer vs Whitehouse Heritage at Lawson
Varsity 6:00pm
Cross Country- Nashville Striders Time Trial @ Vaughn's Gap, 6:30pm
Friday, August 14th
Schedule: All classes (1-2-3-4-5-6-7)
Events:
Saturday, August 15th
- Lawson Lightning Middle School Volleyball Tournament
Car Drop Off, Bus, & Student Driver Information
How do I find out what MNPS bus do I ride?
You can find your Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) bus stop and route number using the Find My Bus Stop online tool.
- Bus Information:
Families that use the MNPS bus can use the Find My Bus Stop online tool starting July 28 to find their student's route and information. You can also track your student's bus by using the MyStop app and entering your child's Student ID and birthday (MMDDYYYY). Learn more at the MNPS Transportation page.
Keep in mind that actual route and stop times might vary due to factors like driver shortages, traffic, or mechanical issues. If your student’s bus is more than 20 minutes late, you can call (615) 259-INFO (4636) for assistance. Remember to have your child arrive at the bus stop 10 minutes before the scheduled arrival time, and ensure they board and leave the bus at their assigned stop.
Where is car rider drop off and pick up?
The North Parking lot loop has been designated for car riders. Upon entering the JLHS campus, drivers should take a right at the stop
sign and proceed up the hill. Follow the loop around the North lot, where car riders are dropped off beside the North doors.
Students can then enter through these doors. After drop-off, drivers should continue around the circle and take a left to exit the Lawson campus. Please refer to the Lawson overview map to locate the North entrance. Our staff will be visible and present each day during car rider drop-off to help direct traffic and establish familiarity with traffic patterns. For afternoon pick-up, drivers may line up around the north parking lot. Please do not block the exit lane and do not pull into the north parking lot. Staff will be available to assist you during the first days of school.
Where should student drivers park?
Students that drive to Lawson should continue straight at the stop sign. Note: In the mornings, this is a one-way route. In the evenings, the route becomes a one-way route to exit. Drivers will follow along the far-left lane and proceed along the front of the building to the South or West parking lot. Anyone in the West lot must have purchased an assigned parking space. All students must have a Lawson student parking pass clearly visible in their car. Students will have an opportunity to purchase a student parking pass during the first weeks of school and should obtain one by the end of August in order to avoid being ticketed. See Ms. Tayler Strickland and/or Ms. Sarah Galloway in the front office for additional details. Please refer to the Lawson overview map to locate the parking lots.
Dear James Lawson Families,
We are writing to remind you of an important change for the 2026–27 school year: our start and end times are adjusting as part of a district-wide schedule update approved by the Metro Nashville Board of Education.
What's changing at James Lawson:
- 2025-2026 Schedule: 7:05 a.m. – 2:05 p.m.
- New schedule: 7:25 a.m. – 2:25 p.m.
This change takes effect on the first day of school, August 11, 2026.
Why the change?
MNPS reviewed start times across the district to better support student well-being (including adolescent sleep needs for our high schoolers), minimize disruption to family routines and work within our current transportation system. More than 23,000 responses from families, students and staff helped shape this decision.
The district-wide picture, by tier:
- High Schools: 7:25 a.m. – 2:25 p.m. (20 minutes later)
- Middle Schools: 8:55 a.m. – 3:55 p.m. (No change)
- Elementary Schools: 8:10 a.m. – 3:10 p.m. (10 minutes later)
- Early Learning Centers: 8:10 a.m. – 2:10 p.m. (10 minutes later)
Note: Some magnet, academy, and special program schools are not changing. If you have questions about how it compares to other schools your family attends, you can view the full list of schools on the MNPS school start time webpage.
We know any schedule change, even a modest one, can affect your family's morning and afternoon routines. We are here to help make this transition as smooth as possible.
Arrival & Dismissal
Our building will open at 7:05am. Arrival and dismissal procedures are outlined below:
- Car riders: Car riders can be dropped off at the North Lot. Please see below for parking map.
- Bus Information:
Families that use the MNPS bus can use the Find My Bus Stop online tool starting July 28 to find their student's route and information. You can also track your student's bus by using the MyStop app and entering your child's Student ID and birthday (MMDDYYYY). Learn more at the MNPS Transportation page.
- Student Drivers: Please check with the front office for parking pass information.
Questions?
Please don't hesitate to reach out to the school directly. You can also contact the MNPS Family Information Center at (615) 259-INFO, or view the full district schedule list at mnps.org/students-families/school-start-times.
Thank you, as always, for your partnership and flexibility. We're looking forward to a great year ahead with your students!
School Supplies
School Supplies:
While some teachers may have additional supply requests, we recommend that all students come prepared with the basics, which includes pencils, loose-leaf notebook paper, and a binder.
Note: If your student is enrolled in one of the following courses, please provide the additional supplies listed below:
- Freshman: Headphones (standard 3.5mm headphone plug, inexpensive/ basic versions are perfect!)
- Math I and II: 1 spiral notebook AND a math only folder OR binder to hold extra papers from class. (Binder could be shared with other subjects.)
- Math III: Students should bring a folder or binder to organize notes and handouts, along with pencils and/or pens. Honors Math III students should also bring a spiral notebook dedicated to class notes.
- Biology: Biology students are required to have a composition notebook with at least 100 pages. The notebook may be either college-ruled or wide-ruled, and any color is acceptable. This notebook will serve as a dedicated Biology notebook and will count as a summative grade.
- English II: One composition notebook (college-ruled)
Lawson Community Room Opening - Monday, July 27th!
🎓✨ Class of 2027 families, senior year is approaching~
Class of 2027 families, senior year is approaching, and senior portraits are the first step in this important milestone.
CADY, our school’s exclusive partner for senior portraits, has served for more than 25 years with a distinctive approach to senior photography, combining state-of-the-art studios, premier customer service, and magazine-worthy images that truly capture each senior’s unique story.
This elevated experience is not your typical school photo day in the gym. Senior portraits are meant to be different and celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime season.
We’re so excited to celebrate this milestone year with you and help capture it through your senior portraits with Cady.
To be included in the James Lawson HS Yearbook, you must have your tux and drape image taken by CADY.
All Cady sessions include the Formal (tux/drape) pose and Cap and Gown pose. Each session has additional casual looks to choose from.
There are 2 places for seniors to be photographed:
📍 CADY’s Franklin Studio (Franklin, TN) ALL SESSIONS OFFERED
Our state-of-the-art studio offers a full, elevated experience with multiple indoor scenes, professional lighting, and a variety of looks. Appointments are available throughout the summer and fall, giving you flexibility to choose a time that works best for your schedule. We will provide the tuxes, drapes, and official caps and gowns for you to wear at our studio.
508 Autumn Springs Ct, #2A, Franklin, TN 37067
🏫 James Lawson High School (On-Campus Traditional Sessions)
For added convenience, CADY will also be on campus:
- October 6, 2026
Tuxedos, drapes, and official school caps and gowns will also be provided for on-campus sessions.
Booking Availability at the Cady Franklin Studio
Booking for June & July is open, with appointments available certain days a week to provide plenty of flexibility. As June begins to fill, August availability will open once June reaches approximately 80% capacity, and this rolling schedule will continue into future months. We encourage booking early to secure your preferred date and time.
If you haven’t already scheduled your session, you can do so here:
Need Help?
Cady’s customer experience team is happy to assist with any questions regarding booking or sessions:
📞 (678) 534-5384
We can’t wait to see the Class of 2027 shine!
⬇️Click the video link below to see why Seniors love CADY Studios!
Partner With Us to Showcase Student Achievements
Don’t forget to check out our official school Instagram @jameslawsonhighschool (general school features) and @lawsonlightningathletics (athletics and scores) for highlights of student work, achievements, and important updates. It’s a great way to see what’s happening across our campus and celebrate our students’ successes! Don't forget to tag us and email us any photos you want to include!
For the latest athletic updates follow us at our Instagram: @lawsonlightningathletics
Safety and Security Procedures for all Events
Reminder:
Fans attending any MNPS athletic event should be aware of the district's clear bag policy. All bags and purses that do not meet the requirements will not be permitted. The MNPS policy can be found here.
Evolv Security
Dear James Lawson High School Students and Families,
We are dedicated to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone in our school community. This advanced technology is designed to enhance security while allowing for a smooth and efficient entry process.
What to Expect:
Seamless Entry: You will walk through the concealed weapons detection system naturally, without the need to remove all personal items or backpacks.
What to Remove: As you approach the building, make sure to have your BLUE items ready to ensure an efficient screening process. If you wait until you reach the door to remove them, the process will be delayed. There are 4 categories of items which cannot go through the Evolv System, referred to as BLUE items. These include:
B = Binders
L = Laptops/Tablets
U = Umbrellas
E = Eyeglasses cases
Students will give these items to a Lawson staff member for screening, then walk through the system with the rest of their belongings. There is no need to remove backpacks, jewelry, phones, headphones/earbuds, etc. - only the BLUE items will need to be handed over. These items will be returned to the student on the other side of the Evolv system.
Efficient Screening: If the system detects something of concern, it will alert staff to perform a quick, targeted secondary screening. This doesn't imply the student has done anything wrong; it's just an additional step to ensure that items are safe.
How You Can Help:
Bring Only Essential Items: To expedite the entry process, please limit the items you bring to school each day.
Never Open an Outside Door: Everyone entering the building must pass through the screening machine. Do not open any exterior door to allow someone to enter without going through the screening process.
Families: Talk with your child before leaving for school to ensure they aren’t bringing any prohibited items.
Additional Information:
There will be two screening units: one at the north entrance and one at the main entrance. From 7:05 a.m. to 7:20 a.m. students and staff can utilize either entrance. The north lot is ideal for car riders, staff, and students who park in the west lot. The main entrance is best for bus riders, students who park in the south lot, and all visitors. After 7:10 a.m., only the main entrance will be available for entry. The screening process will remain in effect until the end of each school day (2:05 p.m.).
At James Lawson, we are committed to ensuring the safety of everyone in our community. We understand that adjusting may take time, and we greatly appreciate your cooperation and patience as we work together to create a safer environment for all.
For more details on how the system works and what you need to know before implementation, please visit our MNPS website. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to submit them through this link. Your feedback is valuable to us as we continue to improve safety protocols.
Sincerely,
Dr. Stephen Sheaffer, Executive Principal
James Lawson High School
