Linked "In" with Lawrence School
Principal's Back to School Update - 9/2/25
Dear Lawrence Community,
The countdown clock is on and the time has come! Backpacks are being filled, lunch boxes cleaned, clothes laid out, schedules reviewed and so much more! We can't WAIT to see your children tomorrow morning arrive at the school! So, it is time to launch our year together, Lawrence Leopards! Kindergarten families- please see the letter from teacher assignments, or below, to review your start day, since the classes are split in half for their first day at Lawrence.
While families prepare for the first day, I assure you that the teachers and staff at Lawrence have been busy too, getting classrooms ready to go - as well as their lessons. I can speak with confidence that the group of educators and support staff we have at Lawrence- from secretary to custodian, nurse to paraprofessional, classroom teacher to specialist- are some of the best in the business. Each and every member of our team is dedicated to ensuring that your child's journey from Kindergarten through 8th grade is a special one of growing and learning.
I know well the emotions that go along with this week. While my two children have reached new phases, at 20 and 22 (and both across country on the West Coast), I remember all too well the anxiety of these back to school days! I still remember those days of excitement (and trepidation) as a Kindergarten mom, years ago. The nerves around their first days in middle school seem like just yesterday. I'll warn all of you who are raising a school-aged child today: that pride and joy (and anxiety), doesn't go away as they age! Even with my own children firmly "young adults," the nerves continue - for mom and child!
Transitions in life are not easy - yet, we know that working through the challenges of change is an opportunity to grow and learn. Please know that the teachers and staff feel similar emotions to your child! Each year, we start over again and get that same funny feeling in our stomachs as we think about meeting all of you and the journey ahead. It is one of the most special things about working in a school. Every year, we get the opportunity to grow a new community of learners - together. Below, in the Social Emotional Learning section, I've included some of my resources for families navigating these emotional times with their children. Author and social researcher Brene Brown states, “Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.” Tomorrow, your child (and their teachers and principal!) will show up and be brave together!
Every year, I re-watch my favorite Ted Talk, by the late, great Rita Pierson, "Every Kid Needs a Champion." before school begins, once again renewing my promise to myself, to you, and most importantly, to the children that walk through our doors each day about my purpose as an educator- my "why." The work that we do is definitely not easy, but in what should a mantra for every school, "We are all in this together," in our efforts to champion each child. Passionate learning is absolutely built on a foundation of compassion!
Of course, a school year start is a time of uncertainty, but please know that when your child arrives at our doors tomorrow morning, there will be 110+ dedicated and compassionate staff to welcome them to Lawrence - from office staff and classroom teachers to custodians, specialists and kitchen crew to music teachers and paraprofessionals. We promise that we will give it our all to care for your children. We recognize that families are trusting us with their most prized possessions. Nurturing them is our life work and our passion. It is what brings us to 27 Francis Street each and every day. We will be there for you and your children- and we know that you will do the same for us. We will do amazing things together!
With the Linked "In" With Lawrence School Newsletter, the office and admin team will share out needed key information for our community, as well as sharing photos, videos, resources and a look inside the happenings of Lawrence. We hope it gives everyone a bit more insight into all the amazing things that occur in a school, as well as sharing out resources for families around various key topics, such as social-emotional learning. It is a reference tool, where hopefully you can locate the key information about our school operations and have at your fingertips.The Lawrence School Family Handbook is a wealth of important information, as well.
Below, I've included the basic logistics for our school. Routines and structures are important because they make us all feel safe and secure. Lawrence's staff will be out in full force to greet students in the morning. Remember, helpful grownup will never be far away or hard to find! So, give them hugs and tell them you care. Tell them to be brave - and know that we will do the same!
Warmly,
Vanessa Bilello
Principal, Lawrence School
Key Dates for Lawrence School
Please contact us if you have any questions on events listed below!
Please review the dates below. We will add to these calendars as the year progresses. Contact the office with any questions.
September 15th - October 15th is Hispanic Heritage Month!
- Wednesday, August 19th - Homeroom placements confirmed for families in the ASPEN Parent Portal. *New families may not have homerooms assigned yet, as our guidance counselors will be processing new enrollees over the coming weeks. Please be patient as they work to enroll and assign new students!
Directions: Log into your Aspen Parent Portal page. Once you log in, click on the "Family" tab at the top of the page. You'll see all of your children listed on that screen, and each child's homeroom teacher will be displayed right next to their name, making it easy to find.
- Sunday, August 30th - Middle School Schedules now viewable in ASPEN Parent Portal (see PSB help link in principal message above) - schedules subject to change in first several weeks of school.
- Tuesday, September 1st - 2:00 - 3:00 PM @ the Longwood Park Small Playground - Kindergarten Meet and Greet: Come meet new classmates and other K parents/caregivers! Teachers and staff will attend for part of the time, as well. (PTO sponsored event)
- Thursday, September 3rd - First Day of School!!! (K is divided by student last names for half days 9/3 and 9/4, with no lunch served; first full day for all K is 9/8)
KC: 9/3 - Last names A-H; 9/4 - Last names K-ZKG: 9/3 - Last names A-M 9/4 - Last names N-ZKO: 9/3 - Last names A-K; 9/4 - Last names L-ZKP: 9/3 - Last names A-K; 9/4 - Last names L-Z
- Thursday, September 3rd and Friday, September 4th - 8-8:45 AM at the Circle Garden - Coffee and Kleenex event (PTO) - Coffee catch-up with new and returning community members on the first two days of school
- Friday, September 4th - (2-3 PM) on the Longwood Park field - Lawrence Foam Day (PTO sponsored - see PTO Updates section below)
- Monday, September 7th - No School, Labor Day Holiday
- Tuesday, September 8th - First full day for all kindergartners (and first day of lunch for K)
- Thursday, September 10th - 8:15 - 9:45 AM Lawrence Auditorium - New Family Welcome w/ PTO & Admin - 8:15-9:15 AM for ALL new families; 9:15-9:45 AM EL/International New Families Welcome Continues (both events in Lawrence auditorium)
- Thursday, September 17th - 5:00 - 7:00 PM (rain date: 9/24) Longwood Park field - Lawrence Fall Picnic - (PTO sponsored)
- Monday, September 21st- No School, Yom Kippur (Category 1 Holiday)
- Thursday, September 24th - SCHOOL PHOTO DAY - Student photos (individual and homeroom) taken for the yearbook during the school day. More information coming soon!
- Friday, September 25th - Lawrence Leopards Spirit Day! Pull out your animal prints, spotted sweatshirts, and/or Maroon or Lawrence spirit wear to show your Lawrence Loyalty!
- Monday, September 25th - Thursday, October 1st - Costume Collection for Halloween Swap & Sale (PTO sponsored)
- Wednesday, September 30th - 6:00 - 7:30 PM - Lawrence Curriculum Open House (Grades 6 - 8) *Adults only. More information coming soon, please save this date!
- Monday, October 5th - 6:00 - 7:30 PM - Lawrence Curriculum Open House (Grades 3-5) *Adults only.Child care for ages 3-10 with PTO for the evening on a first-come, first-served basis - stay tuned! More information coming soon, please save this date!
- Thursday, October 8th - 8:15-9:15 AM Hybrid: Lawrence location TBD/Zoom - Lawrence School Council
- Thursday, October 8th - 5:30-6:00PM in Lawrence library - METCO Meet & Greet Dinner
- Thursday, October 8th - 6:00 - 7:30 PM - Lawrence Curriculum Open House (Grades K-2) *Adults only.Child care for ages 3-10 with PTO for the evening on a first-come, first-served basis - stay tuned! More information coming soon, please save this date!
- Thursday, October 8th - Friday, October 9th - Halloween Costume Sale (PTO sponsored)
- Monday, October 12th - No School, Indigenous People's Day
- Sunday, October 18th - 9:00 - 11:00 AM on the Longwood Park field - Lawrence Fun Run (PTO sponsored)
- Monday, October 26th - Friday, October 30th - LAWRENCE SCHOOL FALL SPIRIT WEEK! *Themes will be picked by our fall Middle School Leopard PAC (Principal's Advisory Council) members and shared with the community in early October!*
- Friday, October 30th - 1:15 PM - K-2nd Grade Halloween Parade - More information coming home soon!
- Tuesday, November 3rd- NO SCHOOL - MA Election Day & PSB Professional Development Day: Staff Report/Closed for Students
Conference Early Release Days - 12:40 pm Dismissal
Fall: 11/4 (K-6), 11/12 (K-8), 11/18 (K-8), 12/3 (K-8)
Spring: 4/8 (K-8), 4/14 (K-6), 4/29 (K-6), 5/5 (K-6)
*All staff will designate evening conference times, in addition to the Early Dismissal time. This is a dedicated week, TBA, during the Fall/Spring
School Council Dates: (Thursdays @ 8:15-9:15 am - Hybrid, Zoom & Location TBD) - October 8th, December 10, February 11, April 8, June 10
Principal/PTO Forums:
*These forums will alternate formats (zoom/in person), with the hopes of connecting with members of our adult community. Each forum will include a different, timely topic of interest related to the Lawrence School. Dates subject to change.*
- Thursday, October 22nd: 8:15-9:15 am (Hybrid, Library): Fall Feedback - Join the PTO leaders and school leadership to discuss the start of the school year: what worked, provide feedback, ask questions about upcoming events, connect with school/PTO!
- Thursday, December 3rd: 7:00-8:00 pm (Zoom): Theme TBA
- Thursday, February 4th: 8:15-9:15 am (Hybrid, Library): Theme TBA
- Thursday, April 1st: 7:00-8:00 pm (Zoom): Theme TBA
- Thursday, June 3rd: 8:15-9:15 am (Hybrid, Library): School Year Wrap Up
Our school website has static information, but it is also updated with current news and bulletins. Every few weeks, you can expect the school-wide newsletter from the principal’s office, Linked "in" With Lawrence School. This Back-To-School edition is lengthy, due to the amount of information that needs to be shared with families. This newsletter is distributed to families via email and can also be found on the school’s webpage. We can't wait to share the great things happening at Lawrence each month!
In addition to the above school-wide methods, please communicate openly with your child’s teacher(s). Each teacher has an email address and voice mailbox. You can find their contact information on our school website.