Family Knight News

Greetings LES Families & Happy New Year,

As we begin this new year together, I’m excited to continue our commitment to LEAD: Every Knight, Every Day. This theme reflects the heart of who we are at LES , a community where every student is encouraged to learn with purpose, act with integrity, and demonstrate leadership in big and small ways.

With the start of the second semester, we are officially in fast‑forward mode to May. Not because we want to rush the year, but because experience reminds us just how quickly this time goes. There is so much ahead — academically, socially, and within our school community — and we feel the pace picking up. We have important goals to reach, and at times it feels like time isn’t on our side.

Even so, our commitment remains unwavering. We are focused, energized, and determined to do everything necessary to push our students toward a strong and successful finish line. Every lesson, every expectation, and every opportunity is designed to help our Black Knights achieve their goals and grow into the leaders we know they can be.

As we move forward, we ask for your continued support. Your partnership makes a tremendous difference, and together we can ensure that every Knight finishes this year with pride, confidence, and accomplishment.

With gratitude,

Your Proud Principal
Candace Haynes

#EveryKnightEveryDay

Please take a few moments to complete our Climate Survey. Your input is essential in helping us create the best possible learning environment for our students. By sharing your thoughts, you help us grow and improve together. Thank you for partnering with us to make a positive impact! Please click the button below to complete the survey!

• Weekly Newsletters from your child's teacher.
• Monthly Newsletters - Family Knight News - from the principal, Mrs. Haynes. You're reading it now. Thank you! 🙂
• Lawrenceville ES Website
• LES Social Media Pages - Facebook & Instagram
• ParentSquare and ParentVue

The school store is open every morning during arrival time.

M-W-F Upstairs (Back Lobby)

T-Th Downstairs (Lower Level Front Entrance)

Prices range from .25 to $2.

We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and are ready for an amazing new semester! The start of a new year is the perfect time to set goals with your student. Goal-setting helps students stay focused, motivated, and confident as they work toward success.

Here are a few tips for setting goals together:

• Reflect on last semester: What went well? What could improve?
• Set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
• Break goals into steps: Small actions lead to big results!
• Celebrate progress: Encourage and recognize their efforts along the way.

Whether it’s improving grades, building friendships, or trying something new, your support makes a big difference. Let’s make this semester the best one yet!

If you need resources or support, feel free to reach out to us anytime. We’re here to help!

Your Counseling Team

Mrs. Williams & Ms. Younger 🖤💛🖤💛

We extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible club sponsors who generously dedicate their time to provide enriching before- and after-school opportunities for our students. These clubs foster a strong sense of well-being and belonging, helping our students grow both socially and emotionally.

We’re excited for you to hear directly from our sponsors as they share a glimpse into the amazing activities and experiences our students are enjoying. See below and Stay tuned!

Chorus is a singing ensemble that provides students with opportunities to showcase their group vocal talents and movement skills. Each interested student is auditioned in a process involving pitch matching, range exercises, and harmonic signing. Chorus may meet on dates outside of our regular club times due to performances. A calendar will be given to all participating students & families. All participating students must fill out a Chorus Handbook Student/Parent Contract .

Open to grades 3-5 Maximum of 80 students

Chorus meets year round with performance opportunities outside of the school day. Students that have already registered for Chorus do not need to reregister. We currently have openings for 55 additional students

Sponsor: Mrs. Schaff

Welcome to the Friendship Bracelet Making Club, where creativity, color, and friendship come together! In this fun and hands-on club, you'll learn how to make your own unique bracelets using threads of all kinds of colors and patterns. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced bracelet maker, there's always something new to try!

Each week, we’ll explore different techniques to create cool designs that you can wear or share with your friends. Not only will you create beautiful bracelets, but you'll also have the chance to bond with your classmates, make new friends, and even trade bracelets with each other!

Come join us to express your creativity, practice patience, and have a blast crafting something special. We can’t wait to see what designs you’ll come up with!

Open to 3rd-5th Grade students Maximum of 12 students

Sponsor: Ms. McLester

The Dance Club is a fun and welcoming afterschool club for 4th and 5th grade students who love to move, groove, and express themselves through dance! Led by talented high school students from Central Gwinnett's Dance Conservatory, our young dancers will learn basic dance skills, explore different styles, and build confidence—all while having a great time. As part of the Central Cluster of the Arts, our goal is to help students discover the joy of dance early and inspire a lifelong love for the performing arts.

Open to grades 4-5 Maximum of 20 students

Sponsor: Mrs. Clack & SOTA Dance Students

Application and Teacher Recommendation Required

Explore the world of creativity and innovation! In our 3D Printing & Sculpture Club, students design, print, and craft unique creations while learning problem-solving and artistic skills. From digital models to hands-on sculptures, we turn ideas into reality!

¡Explora el mundo de la creatividad e innovación! En nuestro Club de Impresión 3D y Escultura, los estudiantes diseñan, imprimen y crean obras únicas mientras desarrollan habilidades artísticas y de resolución de problemas. ¡Desde modelos digitales hasta esculturas hechas a mano, convertimos ideas en realidad!

Sponsors: Mr. Oyanedel & Ms. Waight

Our mission is to inspire and equip youth with tools, guidance, and opportunities to rise above challenges, embrace their strengths, and lead with respect and purpose.

Open for new registration for Boys in grades 2-5 Maximum of 17 Boys

All boys that participated during 1st semester will continue in 2nd semester *Please note meeting day/time change*

Sponsor: Mr. Flemming

Cinderella Musical Tuesdays & Wednesdays PM 3:45-4:45 (or as scheduled on production Calendar) In the Music Room/Dance Room

***Students in Cinderella may not register for another club that meets during rehearsal times due to their prior commitment to the show***

The LES Cinderella musical theater production provides a fun and engaging way to explore the performing arts. It allows students to develop their confidence, creativity, and teamwork skills through acting, singing, and dancing. Cinderella will culminate in March with two live performances at the School of the Arts @ Central Gwinnett Theater, giving students a chance to showcase their talents and hard work. Students will be given a short scene to read, a dance to perform in a small group, and a song to sing for their audition.

* Rehearsals will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and a schedule will be given to students monthly. It is important that cast members are not in any clubs that meet on Tuesdays/Wednesdays after school. There will be more frequent or extended rehearsals in March/April. Not all cast members will be needed at each rehearsal so you will need to check the calendar frequently once the cast list has been finalized.

Girls Wearing Pearls is a school based program that fosters leadership to change the outcome for girls by empowering them to plan for a bright future through education, personal responsibility and social awareness.

Participants will receive communication from Mrs. Ervin to let them know of meeting dates.

Sponsor: Mrs. Ervin

January At a Glance

January is School Board Appreciation Month

01/12 - 02/24 - Access Testing

01/13 - 01/30 -PTA Donut King and Queen Competition

01/13 - LES Science Fair 5:30PM - 6:30PM

01/15 - 100th Day of School

01/16 - PTA Donut Sale Distribution Day

01/19 - MLK Jr. Day - Systemwide Holiday - No School

01/21 -AM Clubs (Chorus, Garden and P.E.) 7:30AM

01/21 - Local School Science Fair 4:30PM

01/22 - PTA Bingo Night 6:00PM

01/23 - Girls Wearing Pearls 7:30AM

01/27 - Countywide Science Fair 4PM Gas South Arena

01/28 -AM Clubs (Chorus, Garden and P.E.) 7:30AM

1/30 - 1st Semester Awards (By invitation ONLY) - During Specials time

February At a Glance

February is Black History Month

February is Career & Technical Education Month

Week of 02/02 - School Counselor Appreciation Week

02/04 -AM Clubs (Chorus, Garden and P.E.) 7:30AM

02/05 - Local School Council Meeting 12PM

02/06 - Digital Learning Day #3 - Students will be learning from home

02/07 - PTA Sweetheart Dance

02/10 - Family English Literacy Class 10AM

02/12 - 02/13 - Student/Teacher Holiday - No School

02/15 - School Resource Officer Appreciation Day

02/16 - Student/Teacher Holiday - No School

02/18 -AM Clubs (Chorus, Garden and P.E.) 7:30AM

02/19 - Title 1 ML Access Parent Meeting 1:30-2:30 PM

02/19 - 02/26 - Tapestry - LES Artwork Featured at ISC

02/20 - AM Girls Wearing Pearls 7:30

02/20 - PM GCPS 5th Grade Honor Chorus Area Rehearsal 4:00-6:45

02/24 - Family English Literacy Class 10AM

02/25 -AM Clubs (Chorus, Garden and P.E.) 7:30AM

02/26 - Picture Day (Spring/Make-Up Pictures)

March At a Glance

March is Women's History Month

Week of 03/02 - Read Across America Week

Week of 03/02 - Social Worker Appreciation Week

03/04 -AM Clubs (Chorus, Garden and P.E.) 7:30AM

03/04-03/05 - Early Release (All students will be released at 12:50 PM on both days.)

03/06 - Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day

03/06 - All Pro Dad Meeting - LES Cafeteria 7:30AM

03/06 - AM Girls Wearing Pearls 7:30AM

Candace Haynes - Principal

Kemel Roberts - PreK, 5th Grade, Special Education, Specials Team

Kadian Dennis Walls - 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, Intervention Team

Our students have become acclimated to being in school and following our cafeteria expectations. Due to limited space for visitors in our cafeteria, we are welcoming lunch visitors with photo ID on a rotating schedule by the student's last name.

Monday - A&B and U-Z

Tuesday - C-G

Wednesday - H-M

Thursday - N-T

Any deviation from the above assigned schedule must be approved by the grade level Assistant Principal at least 24 hours in advance when possible. Parents can call (770-963-1813) or email your grade level Assistant Principal with special circumstances.

At the end of lunch, parents should say goodbye to their children and proceed to the front desk for check-out. It is a violation of our school policy to accompany your child to the playground, classroom, or move around the building visiting other children in their classrooms.

Fast food from outside vendors such as McDonalds, soda, and glass containers are not allowed in the lunchroom.

Store bought treats brought in for the class should be pre-arranged with your child’s teacher and may only be shared with your child’s class. No homemade items are allowed.

Ice cream is sold for $1. This may also be purchased as a class treat.

Please be aware of allergy restrictions in your child’s class when selecting treats. Please do not bring anything containing any type of nuts.

Lawrenceville ES will not supply or allow knives into the school building. Please pre-cut items or provide single-serve items.

Balloons, party favors, etc., are not permitted in the cafeteria.

Thank you very much for your help in supporting these expectations.

Please ensure that you are complying with our important safety policy as stated in our Parent Handbook. It is our goal that there are no transportation mistakes. For this reason, it is important that students have only ONE mode of transportation and the tag on the backpack should reflect this. Please limit transportation changes to emergencies only. By definition of the word emergency, these do not happen often. Thank you so much for your support as we work to maintain consistency in our procedures. The complete handbook is attached below should you ever need it.

Changes in Student Transportation - IMPORTANT

Transportation changes are not permissible without prior written notice from a parent/guardian. Only those listed as legal parent(s)/guardian(s) can make transportation changes. Please send a handwritten/signed note with your child if a transportation change is needed. Call the front office (770-963-1813) to verify that the note was received. To protect the safety and security of all students, transportation changes will not be accepted over the telephone, via email, fax, or text. We need to verify the identity of the individual making the request. Should an extreme emergency arise, the parent/legal guardian will need to come to the front office and speak with an administrator with their identification. ParentSquare direct messages will be accepted in the event of an emergency. Emergency changes will be dealt with on a case by case basis. Please refrain from making regular transportation changes. It is confusing for staff and students. Students should have one form of daily transportation.

• For safety reasons, it is very important that students wear tennis shoes to school. Even when not in PE, students are playing outside daily. Our goal is to avoid accidents, including trips and falls in the hallway. Please save the crocs, yeezys, slides, sandals, and similar shoes for wearing outside of school.
• Head coverings such as hats, caps, hoodies, satin night caps, scarves, bandanas, etc. should not be worn to school.

Student drop off should take place in the rear of the school from 8:20-8:50. Please ensure your child is at school on time. Breakfast, Joyful Learning, Morning Meeting, and Morning Announcements all take place prior to 9:00 am and are immediately followed by Knight Time, which consists of academic intervention schoolwide. Please ensure our students have the best start to their day by being on time. All students within the LES attendance zone have the option of riding the bus so that they are on time to school.

We ask that you only check out students for in situations that are urgent. Please do not circumvent the regular dismissal process by checking out students on a daily or regular basis. Early checkouts disrupt classroom instruction. All students within the LES attendance zone have the option of riding the bus. If you are unable to retrieve your child from the car line, please allow your child to ride the bus.

We are pleased to welcome students to LES on a permissive transfer. This opportunity is extended with the understanding that strong attendance, positive behavior, and academic success are essential priorities. While we strive to support all students, please be aware that permissive transfers are contingent upon maintaining these standards. We kindly ask that you ensure your child arrives at school on time and is picked up promptly each day. Please note: Failure to maintain good attendance, behavior, and academic performance may result in the revocation of the permissive transfer at the end of the first quarter. We appreciate your partnership in helping your child succeed. Your support in reinforcing these expectations at home is invaluable.

Ice cream is sold daily. It is $1.00 cash only.

Classroom ice cream parties are a great way to celebrate students. Please send the money to the teacher with a note if you would like to purchase ice cream for the entire class.

About Us

Lawrenceville Elementary is very proud to be a PBIS school. PBIS focuses on positive behaviors, teaching and reteaching school and classroom expectations and rewarding students with incentives. Our school expectations are taught and referred to daily so all students can be equipped to have a successful day at Lawrenceville Elementary.

Our Awesome Incentives:

• Lead Bucks: Buy rewards and admission to events throughout the school year.
• BOB (Best on Bus): These students have a chance to earn a Pizza lunch with the A-Team.
• PBIS Store: Students can use their LEAD bucks to buy desired items.
• PBIS Celebrations: Fun school-wide events to celebrate students for awesome behavior!

You can help!

We encourage all parents to talk with your child about the school motto and what it means to them. Ask them if they earned any Lead Bucks this week. Ask them about some of the PBIS Celebrations and how to earn it.

We encourage all families to create a MPP account. No purchase is necessary to have a MPP account. You will be able to read and digitally sign documents and/or make necessary payments. It is a great way for you to manage and keep track of all of your student payments and forms in one place throughout the school year.

MyPaymentsPlus is linked directly to your school’s student information system (SIS), enabling us to show real-time balances and invoices, and eliminating the need to call or visit your school in search of information.

Simply create a free MyPaymentsPlus account to get started today:

https://www.mypaymentsplus.com/welcome

We want to ensure you have access to all the essential resources to support your child's education. Please find the important links and information below:

1. ParentVUE

* Grades and Schedules: Monitor your child's academic progress and access their class schedules through ParentVUE. [Login to ParentVUE]

2. MyPaymentsPlus

* Student Meal Accounts: Manage your child's meal accounts, add funds, and monitor their meal purchases with MyPaymentsPlus.

* School Activities: Review and pay for school activities and fees conveniently online.

[Register for MyPaymentsPlus]

3. ParentSquare

* School Communication: Stay informed and connected with our school's latest updates and communications by activating your ParentSquare account. [Activate Your ParentSquare Account]

We encourage you to take advantage of these resources to stay engaged with your child's educational journey. Should you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

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Should you ever need support, we are here to provide it. Please see the graphic above. For any classroom related support, please contact the classroom teacher first. Administrators are available should you need support with anything else.

Support Team Overview

Our dedicated leadership team is here to ensure every student and staff member receives the support they need to thrive. Below is a breakdown of responsibilities to help guide your inquiries:

• Kadian Dennis-Walls
  Instructional Support & Intervention

  • Grades 2 & 3
  • Title I Administrator
  • Title IX Coordinator
  • MTSS Administrator
  • Intervention Team Administrator

• Ryann Flunder
  Early Learning & Student Services

  • Grades K, 1 & 4
  • ESOL Program
  • Testing Coordinator
  • Car Rider Support

• Kemel Roberts
  Specialized Programs & Logistics

  • Grades PreK & 5
  • Special Education
  • Specials (Art, Music, PE, Computer Science.)
  • 504 Plan Support
  • School Safety
  • Transportation Coordination

• Candace Haynes
  Principal

  • School Leadership & Vision
  • Strategic Planning
  • Overall School Operations
  • Family and Community Engagement
  • Decision Maker for School Initiatives & Priorities

• Katise Taylor
  Cluster Superintendent

  • District-Level Oversight & Support

• Jay Nebel
  Interim Chief of Schools

  • Executive Leadership & Strategic Direction

Vision Statement: Lawrenceville Elementary will provide the foundation for all students to become life-long learners and successful citizens.

Mission Statement: We will provide a learning environment where students strive to: Lead by Learning, Embrace Diversity, Achieve Excellence, and Demonstrate Leadership.

Motto: Today’s Learners … Tomorrow’s Leaders

Our Theme This Year: LEADing with IMPACT at Lawrenceville Elementary!

Lawrenceville Elementary School

Principal ~ Mrs. Candace Haynes

Assistant Principal ~ Ms. Ryann Flunder

Assistant Principal ~ Mrs. Kadian Dennis-Walls

Assistant Principal ~ Mr. Kemel Roberts

Website: https://www.gcpsk12.org/LawrencevilleES
Location: 122 Gwinnett Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046, USA
Phone: 770-963-1813

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