The Weekly Update
May 4, 2026
Teacher Appreciation Week May 4 - May 8
This week is a great opportunity for our community to recognize the wonderful faculty at Lawrence Middle School and throughout Lawrence Township. Our outstanding staff consistently shows up for our students. Their dedication, compassion and warmth goes a long way for our students each and every day. A huge shout out to each of our teachers for all of their hard work throughout the year. You are sincerely appreciated!
LMS/LHS PTO Celebrates LMS teachers
Thank you to the LMS/LHS PTO for their recognition of our staff during Teacher Appreciation Week. The week kicked off with a table set up with a hydration station, coffee bar and lite snacks. This group always has the most creative and thoughtful ideas which support our needs in the best way possible.
NJSLA Standardized Testing Begins Tuesday, May 4, 2026
The Lawrence Township Public Schools (LTPS) will be administering NJSLA (New Jersey Student Learning Assessment), the state-adopted computer-based standardized assessment. All students in grades 3-9 will be tested in English and Language Arts (ELA), and all students in grades 3-8 will be tested in Mathematics, and students enrolled in Algebra I, Geometry, or Algebra II will take content-specific assessments, as well as the Grade 8 Science Assessment.
For the 2025-2026 school year, testing will take place on the following days:
Tuesday, May 5 (Reading), Tuesday, May 12 (Writing)
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 (Math)
Tuesday and Wednesday, May 26 and 27 (Science-8th Grade Only)
Students in grades 3-8 will have two separate units of testing for English Language Arts and three units for Mathematics. Students in grade 8 will also complete the state science assessment. The science assessment is comprised of four individual units. Testing will generally be completed by 11:00 am.
The district curricula have been aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) which are the basis for the state assessments. Our staff has received training to make sure the students are familiar with the tools they will need to successfully complete the NJSLA.
Important Reminders:
- Students must bring their fully-charged laptop
- Get a good night sleep
- Eat a nutritious breakfast
- Students must bring their fully-charged laptop
Students are well-prepared and should put forth their best effort.
For more information, please contact your child's school counselor.
First Annual Battle of the Bands Rocks the Night
The first LMS Battle of the Bands was held on April 28, 2026 and was well attended by students and parents. The stage for the performers was set up on one end of the gym and students were able to stand in front of the stage, simulating floor seats at a concert. The 7th and 8th grade choruses each sang to start the night, followed by several student bands and one staff-only band. Thank you to all of the musical performers and the students/families that came out. It was a loud, but very fun evening!
Save the Date - LMS School Musical, Dare to Dream, Jr.
May 16 and May 17
Ticket Sale Information
The LMS School Musical is fast-approaching. The performance dates for Dare to Dream, Jr. are:
Saturday, May 16 at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
Sunday, May 17 at 1:00 pm
Tickets may be purchased online using the link below:
https://forms.gle/dAyeaJ8ZtXD3T4q78
Tickets can also be purchased at the door. Only cash will be accepted. Tickets are $10 each.
The cast and crew have been working extremely hard. We hope you will plan to attend the performance(s). Questions? Contact Ms. Baill, LMS Musical Director, bbaill@ltps.org.
Thank you for your support.
LMS Jazz Ensemble Hits a High Note...Receives Well-Deserved Recognition
The LMS Select Ensemble earned top honors at the Tournament of Bands TIA State Jazz Band Championships, hosted at Lawrence High School. The group was named champion of the middle school division.
In addition to this achievement, the LMS Select Ensemble distinguished itself further by earning all four Best Section Awards, including Best Saxophones, Best Trombones, Best Trumpets, and Best Rhythm Section. This is a rare accomplishment and reflects the strength, balance, and cohesion of the entire ensemble.
Please take a moment to open the links below and treat yourself to cool, smooth jazz performed by our students.
Yearbook Orders Extended by a Week
New Deadline is Friday, May 8
Yearbook Orders are Now Due by May 8, 2028. You may order online at jostensyearbooks.com. Yearbooks start at $32. This may be your last chance to order a 2025-2026 LMS Yearbook.
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
