The Weekly Update

Don't stress if your student missed orientation. An open house will be held the night before school begins, August 31, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm, for students to walk their schedule and try their locker. Keep in mind that this hour is not a formal program and no staff will be available for tours. This is for rising 7th graders ONLY and all students must be accompanied by an adult. Students must bring a copy of their schedule and their locker combo.

August, 2026

Dear Parents/Guardians:

It is with great pleasure and excitement that we welcome you to Lawrence Middle School, Home of the Cardinals but commonly referred to as LMS Nation! The staff has been busy preparing for your child’s return to school. We can’t wait to see them! This letter contains a lot of information. Please take the time to read this entire letter.

School Start Date

The first day of school is TUESDAY, September 1, 2026. School begins each day at 7:40 am, and regular dismissal will be at 2:25 pm. It is a full-day and lunch will be served.

Arrival and Dismissal

All students enter the building using Door #1 (main entrance door on Princeton Pike). Parents dropping off their students can pull along on Princeton Pike or any adjacent street to drop off their child. Students should use the crosswalks with crossing guards when crossing Princeton Pike. The same procedure takes place during dismissal. Students who walk/parent pick-up will exit out of Door #1.

Parent “To Do” List

It is recommended that parents complete the following tasks prior to the start of school:

· Verify that you can sign in to the Parent Portal of Genesis – opens August 24th

· Complete the Technology Usage Forms. This is mandatory each year for all students to receive access to Genesis.

· Review and update the Emergency Contact Form on the Parent Portal of Genesis.

· Verify that your child can log on to their Google account.

· If your child is playing a Fall Sport, have you registered them online? Have their physical forms been returned and/or updated? Have they completed impact concussion testing online?

Student Schedule Access

When signing onto the Parent Portal in Genesis, you must complete:

Technology Agreement

Emergency Contact Form

Opening Letter (please read and acknowledge)

Students will gain access to their schedule online on or about August 24, 2026, at approximately 8:00 am through Genesis once all parent forms have been completed. Students who are unable to access Genesis should first ask their parents if they have completed all forms on the Parent Portal of Genesis. Adjustments to student schedules may still happen before the first day of school. All students will receive a new copy of their schedule on the first day.

7th Grade and New Student Orientation

Orientation will be held in person for 7th Graders and new students to the district on Tuesday, August 25th beginning at 9:30 am. This is for students only.

Student Orientation Drop-Off

Students should be dropped off at Door #1, Main Entrance to LMS on Princeton Pike. Staff and Cardinal Ambassadors will be present outside to direct students into the building and to the Gym.

Student Orientation Pick-Up

Orientation is scheduled to be over at approximately 11:45 am. All students will be dismissed from Door #23, which is along the side of LMS which faces the parking lot. Please park in the main lot and exit your car to meet your student.

Additionally, an optional open house will be held on Monday, August 31, 5:00 – 6:00 pm. The building will be open to 7th grade and new students only to walk around and try student lockers and check out the building. ALL students attending the Open House must be accompanied by an adult and must bring their schedule.

Back to School Night

Mark your calendars! Back to School Night will be held in person on Thursday, September 10, 2026, starting at 6:00 pm. This is a time for parents to become familiar with the middle school program. More information will be forthcoming.

School Information and Communication

Important information is posted and updated on the LMS webpage of the district website (www.ltps.org) throughout the year under School News. Weekly newsletters are emailed regularly to parents to keep families informed of all of the latest happenings. In-school announcements are made regularly utilizing members of WLMS, our school audio-visual club. These announcements can be found on the LMS school website. Many of the school announcements and information will continue to be “blasted” through the district’s email notification program. You are encouraged to follow us on Facebook or Instagram throughout the school year. Search for LMS Nation.

Technology Update

Each year, parents must complete the online technology agreement and receive an email confirmation for the student to gain access to their computer. During the school year, students who are having issues with their laptops can see the LMS Computer Technician, Carlos Villegas. The office is located in the main hallway near the library entrance. The hours are posted on the door of the Technology office. Students must use the district-issued case for their laptops at all times. Students are reminded to arrive each day with a fully charged laptop. The charger stays at home.

Contact Information

The Main Office must be notified of any changes to phone numbers, email addresses, emergency contacts, and/or work details. With this in mind, parents must review the contact information that is listed in Genesis for their child. Please visit the Parent Portal and open the link for Forms. Contact information will be available to review, and you can update it immediately on the page. As a reminder, new home addresses still need to be handled through the district registrar.

Attendance and School Policies

All details of the attendance policy, as well as information on all school policies and procedures, can be found in the student handbook. Student agenda books will be distributed during the first week of school. Questions regarding school policies and practices should be referred to Dr. Adrienne Wasserleben, LMS Assistant Principal.

A copy of the 2026-2027 Student Handbook will soon be available to view on the Middle School page of the district website. You may access the document by opening the tab for Our School at the top of the landing page and then scroll and open Student Handbook.

Lunch and Breakfast Program

Students will have cold and hot options for lunch. All lunches will be held in the cafeteria. Lunch is $4.35. As always, students may bring their own lunch from home.

Lawrence Township Public Schools participates in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Child Nutrition Program. We encourage all families to complete a Free and Reduced-Price School Meal application, as the income parameters for the 2026-2027 school year have changed. The amended procedures should include more families on eligibility lists, which determine P-EBT benefits, state funding, and funding for various academic programs for the district as a whole. A new free or reduced lunch application must be filled out each year. However, only one application per household is required.

The application for free and reduced lunch can be completed online by using the Genesis Parent Portal. The process is easy. Parents/guardians can log into the parent portal and then go to the Forms tab. Please select the Free and Reduced Lunch Application link. After completing the application, click on the submit button. The application is then pending and available to be reviewed by the district official who determines eligibility. Once the application is reviewed, the eligibility status will be indicated in the parent portal. Please allow a day or two for the decision to be posted.

Lawrence Township Public Schools continues to use PaySchools Central to add funds to your child’s lunch account. Families will need to create an account with PaySchools Central before adding additional lunch funds. Instructions on how to create an account can be found on the district website under Dining Services. Parents/Guardians can still complete the Free/Reduced Meal Application online through the Genesis parent portal. Paper applications will be available in the main office of each school. Questions can be directed to Gerald Truehart at 609-671-5416 or gtruehart@ltps.org.

Student ID’s

All students will be required to carry their school IDs. Students will use their IDs to scan into the library, offices, bathrooms, receive lunch, and attend extra-curricular activities. Students will receive a temporary ID on the first day of school. Students can also access a QR code in Genesis by clicking on their student ID number.

Transportation and Bus Passes

Parents can access bus information and print out the bus pass through the Genesis Parent Portal. Although bus pass information will be available the week of August 24th, it is highly recommended that the bus passes be checked again and then printed on August 31st. This will ensure the most accurate information. As a reminder, the pick-up times are an estimate. Students should be at the bus stop 10 minutes early and remain 10 minutes after the scheduled time.

Important Dates Ahead

Friday, September 4, Picture Day

Monday, September 7, School Closed, Labor Day

Thursday, September 10, Back to School Night

Monday, September 21, School Closed, Yom Kippur

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the main office. The entire staff of LMS Nation is looking forward to working with you to make this a successful and productive school year. Have a great remainder of your summer!

LMS welcomes the following individuals to our staff:

Ms. Rachel Armstrong - Leave Replacement, Guidance

Mr. Kenneth Ellsworth - Math

Ms. Anna Loving - Leave Replacement, Math

Ms. Marina McLaughlin - Language Arts

Mr. Ryan Meechan - Math

Ms. Abigail Webb - Orchestra

Officer Richard LaMont - SRO

The LMS Office Staff office hours are listed below:

Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

Please take note of the names and phone numbers of the Office Staff.

Ms. Pressman - Principal's Secretary (609) 671-5520 x4802

Ms. Coleman - Guidance Secretary (609) 671-5525

Ms. Sharma - Main Office Secretary (609) 671-5521

Other important numbers to know are:

Main Office: (609) 671-5520

School Nurse: (609) 671-5523

School Counselors

Ms. Armstrong (609) 671-5520 x4814 (House of Orion, 8th Grade Phoenix)

Ms. Myers (609) 671-5520 x4815 (House of Draco, 7th Grade Phoenix)

Case Managers

Ms. Caloiaro, tcaloiaro@ltps.org

Ms. Ditomasso, mditomasso@ltps.org

Dr. Mahler, jmahler@ltps.org

Many parents ask what school supplies are needed for the upcoming school year. The following items are suggested, but not necessary for use at home:

Loose leaf paper

highlighter

glue stick

tape

Teachers may request additional specific items, but in general, students may be asked to have the following:

1 - 2 inch three-ring binders

1 set of 5+ dividers for binders

2 marble composition books

pocket folders

pens/pencils

soft pencil case

Draw-String Bag

Lanyard for Student ID

For Physical Education:

Athletic shorts, t-shirt, socks, athletic shoes, deodorant

Students who need assistance in obtaining school supplies, should please contact the Lawrence Middle School Guidance Office.

It is not unusual for students to be nervous about using and opening their locker. Please take a moment to share the following video with your student. The video provides a quick tutorial on opening the combination lock.

How to Open Your Locker

Students will have the opportunity during orientation to practice opening their locker.

Registration for fall sports is now open. Fall sports include:

Boys' Soccer (Coaches Vince Damiano, vdamiano@ltps.org and John Hanson, jhanson@ltps.org)

Girls' Soccer (Coaches Jillian Testa, jtesta@ltps.org, and Laura Moyer, lmoyer@ltps.org)

Cross Country (Coaches Kristen Huyler, khuyler@ltps.org and

Jordan Wildermuth, jwildermuth@ltps.org)

Field Hockey (Coach Ashley Palombi, apalombi@ltps.org)

Fall Sports Tryouts will begin on Monday, September 14

To Register and Submit Paperwork, please follow these instructions:

Parents/Guardians are asked to go to the district website, www.ltps.org.

* Open the Lawrence Middle School page from the dropdown menu marked schools at top right

* Once on the Middle School landing page select Our School

* Find the tab for LMS Athletics

* Follow the instructions below to complete the necessary paperwork. As a reminder, all students must be medically cleared in order to participate in a sport, including try-outs.

Sports Clearance Steps:

1. Complete Online Registration - Click HERE to access.

2. Submit only the medical eligibility form - page 1. All other physical paperwork should be kept on file at your child's doctor's office - if the most recent physical is older than 365 days old. Click HERE to access paperwork.

3. Health Update Form - If the most recent physical is older than 90 days - Click HERE to access paperwork.

4. All LMS student athletes are required to complete the online baseline assessment in order to participate in athletics.

Instructions to Complete from Home:

Go to: www.impacttestonline.com/schools

Enter code: 620F630656

Click “Launch Baseline Test”

5. Submit all paperwork to LMS Nurse's office.

****All requirements must be met by the deadlines above in order to be eligible to try out and/or participate in a sports offering.

We are pleased to share our first fundraiser for the 2026-2027 School Year. Once again, we will be selling beautiful mums. The mums are from A&M Farms, located in Robbinsville. Pick-up of mums is at LMS. This is the same farm that we used last Fall and again in the Spring for our flower sales.

More information will be shared once the school year gets underway.

Beginning this fall, all public school districts in New Jersey are required to implement a bell-to-bell cell phone policy. At Lawrence Township Public Schools, this aligns with our district's already existing Away for the Day initiative, which is designed to create classrooms where students are fully engaged, connected with one another, and focused on learning.

Research continues to show that reducing distractions from personal devices during the school day helps students improve attention, strengthen relationships, and support their overall well-being. Our goal is to provide an environment where every student can be fully present from the first bell to the last.

The good news is that LTPS is already ahead of the curve. Away for the Day has already been in place across our schools during instructional time, and the expansion of this policy applies primarily to the high school to include passing periods, lunch, study halls, and other supervised school activities during the school day.

What "Away for the Day" Means

Students may bring personal devices to school but must keep them powered off and stored throughout the entire school day, from arrival to dismissal. Storage expectations may vary by school and grade level. For example, students may be expected to keep devices in backpacks, lockers, or another designated storage location identified by their teachers or principals.

This includes:

• Cell phones
• Smartwatches
• Tablets
• Wireless earbuds or headphones
• Any other personal internet-enabled device

When Your Child May Still Use a Device

The law does not leave students without options when there is a real need. Your child will still be permitted to use a personal device when: it is part of their IEP or 504 plan; it is needed for a documented health condition; it is needed for translation; your child is a caregiver routinely responsible for a family member; a teacher approves it for a specific classroom activity; it is required by law; or there is an emergency.

Families who believe their child requires an accommodation should contact their child's school so appropriate arrangements can be made.

We are excited for a new year working with staff, families, and students! Stop by and visit us at the September 8th Welcome Event at Lawrence High School, and the Back to School night at Lawrence Middle School on September 10th.

We know how busy life can get throughout the year when you are getting emails about many different fundraising events from many different sources and we want to help! Please consider a one time donation towards the LMS/LHS PTO and live guilt free for the rest of the year!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E084DA8AC28ABFE3-65332529-lmslhs

Dine to Donate

Our first dine to donate will help ease the back to school burden at Jersey Mikes (in the Lawrence Shopping Center) on September 17th. Be sure to mention the PTO and a portion of each order is donated to helping our schools!

Fall Bulb Sale

We are bringing back one of our best fundraisers from last year with our bulb sale with Give and Garden. Do your shopping now for a beautiful spring later.

https://store.giveandgarden.com/pages/fundraiser/lms-lhs-pto-planting-for-education

Volunteers Needed

In order to have a successful year for our students we need your help! Please help us by volunteering for upcoming LMS events.

Fall Mum Sale Distribution

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E084DA8AC28ABFE3-65347924-lmsfall

Fall School Dance Chaperones

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E084DA8AC28ABFE3-65391995-lmsdance

Thank you for your support.

Stay tuned for our brand new website.

Tuesday, September 1 - Welcome Back, First Day of School

Friday, September 4 - Picture Day

Tuesday, September 8 - Welcome to the Neighborhood, LHS, 6:30 - 8:00 pm (see flyer below)

Thursday, September 10 - Back to School Night, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Monday, September 21 - School Closed, Yom Kippur

Thursday, September 24 - Welcome Back Dance