The Weekly Update
January 26, 2026
*Attention 8th Grade Families: Important*
Please Read
Dear Eighth Grade Parents/Guardians,
We would like to take this opportunity to inform you of some important information regarding 8th grade end-of-the-year activities.
8th Grade Farewell Ceremony (save the date) – The farewell ceremony will occur on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 7:00 pm at Rider University in the Alumni Gym. More information will come in the spring.
8th Grade Dance/Celebration – The eighth-grade dance will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the Lawrence High School Commons. Only eighth-grade Lawrence Middle School students are allowed to attend. Formal attire is not advocated. The school dress code applies.
During the celebration, students will have an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities: dancing, Mobile Game Theater, interactive photo booth and they will receive their Class of 2030 T-Shirt. This event will be catered with a variety of hot and cold appetizers, desserts, and drinks. Tickets will cost $45 per student. If your child would like a class of 2030 T-shirt but does not want to attend the dance, they will have a chance to purchase a shirt for ($5.00). Money and permission slips for the dance are due by May 29, 2026.
8th Grade Trip - We are excited to announce that we will return to Black Bear Lake in Millstone, NJ on Thursday, June 18th. Students will depart from the school at 8:15 a.m. and arrive back at the school at 2:15 p.m. Only eighth-grade Lawrence Middle School students are allowed to attend.
The trip will cost $65 per student. Please see the scheduled payment plan if you wish to pay in installments. You can also pay in full. If you need other payment arrangements, please contact Jill Testa at jtesta@ltps.org or Kate Mariani at kmariani@ltps.org. Final payment and permission slips will be due by Friday, May 1st. Please make a check or money order payable to Lawrence Middle School. Cash will also be accepted. All payments must be labeled with your student’s first & last name.
Payment Plan dates:
First payment of $30 due by February 20, 2026
Last payment of $35 due by May 1, 2026
Students should submit permission slips and money to the main office.
8th Grade Breakfast – last day of school. More details will be posted in the spring.
Yearbooks – Don’t forget to order a yearbook! The base price is $30, and orders must be placed online by April 24, 2026. Families are also encouraged to purchase 8th Grade Recognition (Happiness) Ads, which are due by February 12, 2026. Both can be purchased using the link in the LMS newsletter.
Reminder- Inappropriate behaviors between now and the end of the year (including attendance and failing grades) can result in a student losing the privilege of participating in the end-of-the-year activities.
Highlights from The Glow Dance ...Students Really Shined
See Pictures Below
Kindness Spirit Week - February 9 - 13
Monday, February 9 - Comfy Cozy Day
*Wear sweatpants or workout clothes
Tuesday, February 10 - Dress like first letter of name
*Ex. Amber = apple, wear all red and a green hat
Wednesday, February 11 - 1White Homeroom Hype
*Discuss theme/color ideas with 1B to dress up together
Thursday, February 12 - Dress as favorite holiday
*pick your favorite holiday and go all out, ex. 4th of July=wear red, white and blue
Friday, February 13 - Wear red, purple, pink, and hearts
House Totals (as of January 20, 2026)
Phoenix - 1338
Orion - 1303
Draco - 1285
Remember: In order to earn House Points, you must participate!
Marking Period 2 and Semester 1
Are Ending on January 30, 2026
Marking Period 2 and Semester 1 end on Friday, January 30, 2026. Students will transition to Marking Period 3 and Semester 2 (8th Graders Only) on Monday, February 2, 2026 (B/White Day).
7th Graders Move As Follows:
Art - Communications - Technology - World Language - Art
8th Graders Rotate As Follows:
Art - Communications - Music - Technology - Art
8th Graders with Semester 1 Class:
Non-Fiction Analysis to Financial Literacy
Financial Literacy to Non-Fiction Analysis
LMS Colonial Bowling Fundraiser
Monday, February 23, 2026
Students were given a permission slip to take home for the upcoming Colonial Bowling Fundraiser. The forms are due back by Friday, February 13, 2026.
If they misplaced their permission slip, students can obtain a new one in the Main Office.
Black History Month - February 2026
March 1 - March 31 Career Exploration Month
Volunteers Needed to be Guest Speakers
Lawrence Middle School would like to invite you to speak with our 7th Cardinal Time students about your career and to share information about your professional background. The goal of this experience is for our students to become exposed to and explore different career opportunities. Please accept our invitation to partner with us in this meaningful event. This event will be an opportunity for you to introduce your services to our school community.
We are asking you to speak to our Cardinal Time students for 15-20 minutes as well as provide any educational material, informational brochures, and/or free samples of your products. If you agree to participate, please complete the “Career Exploration: Guest Presenter Sign-Up” Form below at your earliest convenience. A confirmation email will be sent closer to date. We thank you in advance for considering partnering with us in this meaningful event for our students.
Open Auditions for Lawrence Has Talent - February 19 and 21
Intramural Volleyball Starts in February, 2026
Online Registration Required
Intramural Volleyball will begin in February, 2026 and continue into March. Students are only permitted to play if they have been cleared. Please see procedure above for Sports Registration.
Volleyball is held after school until 3:45 pm. Students must be picked up at 3:45 pm. Pick up is at Door #8/10 (tennis courts). Students who are currently bus riders and need to take the late bus on Tuesdays, must sign up during their lunch and before 12:45 pm. A late bus is not available on Mondays or Wednesdays.
Students should have the appropriate attire and footwear. Crocs and jeans are not permitted. Students will not be allowed to participate without the appropriate attire.
Dates:
February 23, 24, 25
March - 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25
Any questions can be directed to Mrs. Molinelli, nmolinelli@ltps.org.
Spring Sports Registration Now Open
Registration for Spring Sports is now open and will remain open through March 13, 2026.
Please visit ltps.org to register for a sport under the athletics tab or visit:
https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/lawrence-township-public-schools
ALL DOCUMENTATION CAN BE SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL TO CREAGAN@LTPS.ORG OR LMIKOLAJCZAK@LTPS.ORG, DROPPED OFF IN MAIN OFFICE, OR DELIVERED TO THE NURSE’S OFFICE.
Try-Out/Start Dates (Details will be coming)
Baseball - March 23, 2026
Softball - March 23, 2026
Track and Field - April 7, 2026
Order Replacement Student IDs Online
Any student who has misplaced, lost or damaged their Student ID can order a replacement card. Please access the link below to order a new card. The good news is that it will ship directly to the student at home.
Yearbook Information You Need to Know
Happiness Ads (8th Grade Only) Due by February 12, 2026
Photo-Sharing
There are never enough pictures for the yearbook. With this in mind, families are encouraged to share pictures they have of LMS events and activities that can be shared in the yearbook. Please feel free to upload away. Also include any funny photos for "Please don't put that picture in the yearbook!"
There are a variety of ways to upload and share the photos.
1. See the attached flyer for ways to upload and share photos.
2. Email the photos to lmsyearbook@ltps.info
Yearbook Orders are Due by April 24, 2026. You may order online at jostensyearbooks.com. Yearbooks are $32.
The LMS/LHS PTO Hard at Work
Gift Cards for Caesar Bagels in Lawrence Shopping Center
Do you love bagels? Caesar's Bagels in Lawrence Shopping Center is going to support the LMS/LHS PTO. They will be donating 25% of every $25 gift card purchased back to the PTO. This fundraiser will be available through February 25th. This is a great way to support the PTO and welcome and support a new business to Lawrenceville.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E084DA8AC28ABFE3-61577560-ceasars#/
Chick Fil A Nugget Trays for Superbowl Weekend Fundraiser
Chick Fil A Nuggets and the Superbowl go hand and hand. Are you looking for a simple dish for your Superbowl Party, or an easy dinner the weekend of February 7th & 8th? Trays can be ordered, chilled (easy reheat instructions) or heated. There are 3 size trays available. Help support the PTO by purchasing nugget trays for that weekend. Orders are due by January 25th. Trays must be picked up Saturday, on February 7th between 4-6pm.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E084DA8AC28ABFE3-61651687-chick#/