Welcome March
March, 2025
Love Lunch and Autism Awareness-Lawnside Merch Sale
Get Yours Today! Looking for fresh Lawnside Apparel? We’ve got something for everyone—comfy, stylish, and perfect for any occasion! Check out the Autism Awareness apparel Exclusive Designs!Prices vary with design options Order online only https://designer-t-s-371a5b.printavo.com/merch/lawnside/ We are excited to see all the new attire!
Hey Lawnside Families!
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news to wrap up Black History Month! Our amazing PreK classes just hosted their spectacular 5th Annual Blacks in Wax Museum, shining a spotlight on incredible figures in Black History! How awesome is it that Ja’Daiya Kursh, the First Black Rodeo Queen, featured our very own Cianna Waugh on her Instagram page? We couldn’t be prouder to see Lawnside receiving the spotlight! This recognition is the perfect kickoff to Women’s History Month!
Kudos to our fantastic PreK stars! Keep shining!
Message from Coach Carter, Coach Harper, and the Lady Leopards Girls' Basketball Team:
Good morning Lawnside Family! 💛💙
Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout this season! It has been quite the ride but you all have offered encouragement and support every step of the way. We cannot thank you enough! Please continue to encourage these young ladies when you see them, as they are a talented group with a great deal of potential!- Coach Carter and Coach Harper
#GoLeopards 💙💛
Message from Coach Harper, Coach Couplin, Coach Neesh and the Lawnside Lady Leopards Cheerleading Team:
On behalf of the 2024-2025 Lawnside Leopard Cheerleading team we want to express our deepest gratitude to all cheerleaders, students, parents, staff, and administration for a supportive and successful cheer season. We look forward to continuing to cheer for our basketball teams and school!
Pre-K- 2nd: Giselle Pitts
"Giselle is a new addition to our classroom. Giselle is a sweet, caring, and kind student. Giselle is always on task, completing her assignments, and following directions. She picked up our classroom rules, expectations, and routines within minutes of her being in our classroom. Giselle has shown responsibility and organization with her classwork, her belongings, and her homework. Giselle is respectful to her peers and teachers. Keep up the great work, Giselle!" - Mrs. Sahina-Hill
3rd-5th: Tarty Teh
"Tarty consistently demonstrates responsibility by completing assignments on time and coming to class prepared. He is highly organized, keeping track of materials and deadlines effectively. He takes accountability for his actions, always striving to do his best and helping peers when needed. Additionally, he is respectful to teachers and classmates, showing kindness and active listening in every interaction. Most importantly, Tarty prioritizes safety by following school rules and setting a positive example for others. His dedication to these values makes him an outstanding choice for this recognition." Mrs. Carrion
Congratulation Ms. Jessyca Harper
"Most of what Ms. Harper does goes unnoticed. Whenever I need her, she willingly helps. She did an amazing job with Ms. Gibson for the Black History Program, all while putting together Career Day. Thank you for all you do for the students and staff of Lawnside!" - Ms. Cobia
"Her dedication to not only her work, the school ,and the kids can sometimes go unnoticed but she deserves to be acknowledged." - Ms. Gibson
Dr. Henderson
Dr. Carmen Henderson serves as the Director of Special Services and Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant at Lawnside Public School. She also holds a position as an Adjunct Professor in the doctoral program at Gwynedd Mercy University. Known as a bold leader in her field, Dr. Henderson possesses comprehensive knowledge of inclusive education, special education policy, and both evidence-based and culturally responsive practices.
Her expertise has been recognized through various appointments: Marquis Who's Who in America as a representative for Special & Gifted Education Professional from New Jersey; Program Coordinator and Adjunct Professor, Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant program, Rowan University; and Educational Consultant for incarcerated youth, State of New Jersey Department of Correction Department of Education. Dr. Henderson has been acknowledged in and contributed to several Pearson Clinical diagnostic publications. She served a two-year term as a member of the State of New Jersey Department of Education Special Education Advisory Council and as a board member for Ascenda Health Family Success Center in Sicklerville, NJ. Dr. Henderson also provides early intervention services to children ages 0-3.
With over two decades in education, Dr. Henderson holds impressive credentials including a Doctor of Education in Special Education Leadership, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Fairleigh Dickinson University, graduate studies in Psychology, and postgraduate studies in Learning Disabilities. She is a Nationally Certified Educational Diagnostician, New Jersey State Certified Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant, and Child Development Specialist.
Her doctoral dissertation examined the over-representation of Black students in special education within suburban public school settings. Dr. Henderson has presented at conferences on various topics including racial disparities in Autism identification, finding greatness in children with Autism through athleticism, the Patterns of Strengths and Weaknesses model, and implementing culturally responsive practices in the Intervention & Referral Services process.
Beyond her professional commitments at Lawnside School, Dr. Henderson dedicates time to helping parents and educators navigate special education complexities across the United States. She serves as a coach for the Lawnside boys basketball team and enjoys traveling with her family, including her husband John Henderson III and their twenty-two-year-old son, J.T. Henderson IV.
Mrs. Miller
Mrs. Alyssa Miller is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Lawnside Public School District and has served the Lawnside community for 11 years. At a young age, she wanted to become an educator and serve students, parents, and the community. Mrs. Miller attended Morgan State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Morgan State University set the tone for Mrs. Miller’s career and taught her resilience and perseverance. Mrs. Miller earned a Master's in School Leadership from Wilmington University and has recently returned to Wilmington University to begin her doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership. Mrs. Miller is an adjunct professor at Rowan University and teaches in the ASPIRE program. The ASPIRE program provides CE teacher candidates with experiences and guidance to develop and deliver effective instruction to their students while earning their provisional licensure in New Jersey.
Mrs. Miller enjoys serving the community. As a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, she purposely gives back to her hometown, Willingboro, New Jersey. She serves as the chair of the Education Committee and a member of the Scholarship Committee. Both positions allow Mrs. Miller to develop educational programs for the community and assist families in finding scholarship opportunities for teenagers who live in the Burington County area. Mrs. Miller loves spending time with her husband and two children, and she is excited about what life has to bring.
Ms. Kirk
Ms. Niphon Kirk’s extensive experience in education spans over three decades, with a strong focus on special education, community involvement, and student development. Her career shows a clear progression from teaching to administration, with a consistent commitment to supporting students beyond the classroom through various programs and initiatives. It's particularly notable how she has maintained involvement in community organizations while advancing her professional responsibilities.
Ms. Kirk is currently the Vice Principal of Lawnside Public School and this is her twelfth year in this position. Ms. Kirk’s educational journey began immediately after graduating from Hampton University, in 1991, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Teacher of the Handicap. She acquired a teaching position in Camden, New Jersey with the Camden City School District as a special needs teacher. She taught Pre-K to Middle school for 10 years. While teaching in Camden she also worked the All City Summer Fine Arts Program teaching dance (modern jazz and tap). Some highlights from her career in Camden, NJ also include the following activities:
- Member of the Organization Committee for C.A.P.A.
- Piloted program for SRA Direct Instruction
- PEACEMAKERS After School Program for middle school students
- Coordinator for After School Tutoring
- District-wide Behavior Initiative for students with disabilities
Ms. Kirk furthered her educational journey in 1999. She enrolled in the First Cohort for Camden City teachers to obtain her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration & Leadership from Cheyney University, the first HBCU.
In 2001, Ms. Kirk continued her teaching career with the Lawnside School District. While teaching at Lawnside, she continued her involvement in numerous committees dedicated to support the district’s goals, student improvement and community involvement.
As she began her administrative career, she became the Dean of Students in 2012 and advanced to Vice Principal in 2013. Ms. Kirk’s responsibilities and involvement include: Discipline, HIB Coordinator, Site Coordinator for the 21st CCLC After school program, Attendance Officer, IR&S Facilitator, Cafeteria Supervisor, and PBSIS Facilitator. She also formed student groups due to their needs both academically and behaviorally such as The Breakfast Club(K-2nd grade boys), Kirks Kittens (7th grade girls) and Diva Dolls (3rd grade girls) PBSIS Posse (boys 3rd-5th) Cupcakes with Cops (4th grade). In addition Ms. Kirk serves as advisor for the 8th Grade Class and the Horticulture Club.
Ms. Kirk also currently maintains active involvement in various community organizations such as: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and she is also a member of The National Sorority of Phi Beta Kappa and South Jersey Teenshop Inc. Her constant commitment in these organization has enabled her to bring Dr. Betty Shabazz, Delta Gems, South Jersey Teenshop, and Teen Summits to the District for student participation.
While balancing her professional growth she also raised three sons who are currently in college and high school. In 2009 while her last child was still in the making she matriculated into the first Minority Doctoral Cohort at Rowan University. During this program she raised her family completed all her classes and wrote the first three chapters of her Dissertation.
Her own children, and her students, are a constant inspiration, which has led her to 34 years in education and 24 years at the Lawnside School District. It's particularly notable how she has maintained involvement in community organizations while advancing her professional responsibilities. Her commitment, guiding philosophy and favorite African proverb "It takes a village to raise a child" is evident in how she has constantly approached education throughout her career.